“It is because of the generosity of our community that we are able to provide this special meal to the homeless,” explained Executive Director Louis Gill. “The holidays are challenging times for the homeless,” he said. He called feeding the homeless at Thanksgiving “one small measure” of holiday cheer “when all of us look forward to home cooking.”

This year, BHC is seeking donations of 75 turkeys and 75 hams, plus fixings of potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, stuffing, butter, milk, eggs and pies. “We are so grateful for the generous gifts of the people of Kern County,” Gill said. “Every year the outpouring of generosity we experience is amazing.”

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration will take place at the Bakersfield Homeless Center, 1600 E. Truxtun Ave., from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21st. Please bring your donations by the center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through November 20th. For information, please call Barbara Paulson at 322-9199.