Episcopal Community Services partnered with Community Baptist Church in Desert Hot Springs to serve homeless and poverty-stricken individuals and family with a hot Thanksgiving meal. Over 450 individuals were served turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes and vegetables. “We scheduled the meal for 11am, but a long line had formed by 10:30am so we started serving early to accommodate everyone,” said Cydronia Valdez, Director of Coachella Valley Programs.

Staff members from Desert Vista and Navajo Trails, ECS’ homeless residential programs based in the Coachella Valley, volunteered their time on Thanksgiving Day to help serve the large group. Members of ECS’ Coachella Valley Advisory Board generously donated the several turkeys prepared for the event.