volunteers' kindness & compassion take the cake

edited by sarina e. guerra

This Thanksgiving, we at the #slabcitycareclub had the profound privilege of serving a holiday meal to over 130 people in need. As volunteers, we have always been committed to providing support and nourishment to our community, but there was something particularly special about this event. It was a reminder of what truly matters: coming together as a family, sharing the warmth of food, and celebrating the spirit of gratitude, even in the face of hardship.

The process of preparing and serving a Thanksgiving meal for our neighbors was both humbling and inspiring. From the moment we began planning the event, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Donations of food, time, and resources flooded in, and it was incredible to witness the generosity of so many people coming together to make this meal possible. It was clear from the beginning that this meal wasn’t just about feeding people…

For many of the guests, this meal was more than just a plate of food—it was an opportunity to experience kindness, compassion, and connection with others.

As we cooked, we were struck by the thought of how many different backgrounds, experiences, and challenges brought people to this shared moment. But when they sat down together to eat, it was as though all of those differences faded away. In that moment, we were all united by something bigger—our shared humanity. People from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances, sat together at the same table, sharing not just food but stories, laughter, and a sense of community. It was so moving to see how everyone came together as a family, finding joy in the simplest of things, like a warm meal and the company of others.

The volunteers who came to help were truly selfless. Many of them spent hours preparing and serving food, offering smiles, and extending a helping hand wherever needed. It was not just the act of giving food, but the kindness and compassion that made the experience so unforgettable. Volunteers from all ages and backgrounds rolled up their sleeves to make sure that no one was left out. They made it their mission to ensure that every guest felt cared for and respected, and they did so with unwavering dedication and love.

It was moving to witness how our neighbors, friends, and volunteers all worked together to create something beautiful. The faces of the people we served—many of whom were experiencing homelessness, hunger, or isolation—expressed gratitude that touched our hearts deeply. One by one, they shared how much this meal meant to them, not just as nourishment for their bodies, but as food for their souls.

What truly stood out to me was how this event illuminated the power of giving, not just in terms of material support, but in terms of love, time, and attention. The people who volunteered with us didn’t do it for recognition or reward—they did it because they understand that sometimes the greatest gift you can give is simply to show up, to care, and to make someone feel seen and valued.

It was an honor to serve alongside such dedicated volunteers. We are incredibly grateful for the community that made this meal possible. We will carry the memories of this day in our hearts for years to come. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for, and we are thankful for the kindness, compassion, and support that surrounds us.

On behalf of the Slab City Care Club, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and made this special meal possible. It is a testament to the power of community, and it shows that when we come together, we can create something truly beautiful.

Part of the Slab City Residents Break Bread — and Boundaries Collection

Joette Verstat

read more from People's Press