Thursday, Nov. 27, marked the fifth year that Carlos Gomez has hosted a Thanksgiving Breakfast for the Homeless. As president of Bakersfield College’s MAIZ club, he organized the breakfast with help from local high school students, BC students, MAIZ members and other people from the community.
“Five years ago, I started with my mom. We had lots of leftovers. We decided to go to a park and feed people. We’ve been doing it ever since.”
The first year, they served 15 people. They estimated this year that they served about 200 people.
Volunteer Greg Lamb was inspired to help Gomez and his team because his wife and a group of women take lunches once a month to different shelters.
“It’s not the day. It’s the sentiment. The idea of trying to help other people,” Lamb said.
Winter clothing and blankets were also handed out along with gift baskets, which included deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, two bars of soap, a comb and washrag. Coffee and cookies were served followed by a turkey meal.
“I’m thankful for all the volunteers and everyone who came out today,” Gomez said, “It’s for the good of the people. That’s why we do it.”