For more than 20 years, the Jalisco Cafe has been a beacon of community and generosity in South El Paso, providing a free traditional Thanksgiving meal to those in need.
This year, the tradition continues.
Struggling families, veterans, newcomers, and individuals from all walks of life are invited to enjoy the same traditional meal that many of us are fortunate to share,” said Hector Chavez, proprietor of Jalisco Cafe, in a news release. “We’ve been blessed to serve El Paso since 1954, and this is our way of giving back to the community that has supported us. Our Thanksgiving is your Thanksgiving.”
Destination El Paso is also planning its first community food drive to help families in need.
Here are the details of several Thanksgiving meals and food drives for those going through a hard time.
Cesar Ornelas Law firm & Operation H.O.P.E. to have turkey giveaway
Cesar Ornelas Law firm, in partnership with Operation H.O.P.E., will distribute more than 1,000 whole turkeys to El Paso families on a first-come, first-served basis at the El Paso County Coliseum. The event will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, until all turkeys are distributed.
Due to the high demand and limited quantity of more than 1,000 turkeys, attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Only one turkey will be provided per family.
Drive-thru Turkey Drive set for Saturday, Nov. 22
Several businesses, including HD Realty Group, will have a drive-thru turkey drive starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at 637 Ascencion St. Information: 915-472-3083. Turkeys will be given while supplies last.
El Paso Chihuahuas partner with Mustard Seed Cafe and Vista Market
The El Paso Chihuahuas are partnering with Mustard Seed Cafe and Vista Market to support local families in need and are inviting the community to join in.
They will have a donation drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Vista Market, 2231 N. Zaragoza Rd., and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Vista Market, 3920 Doniphan Dr. All proceeds and donations will be distributed by Mustard Seed Cafe.
Every donor will receive a 25% off coupon to both team shops. The coupons will expire Dec. 1.
Donations needed: canned food items, fruits and vegetables, boxed juices and peanut butter.
Destination El Paso to hold community food drive Sunday, Nov. 23
In the spirit of giving and community support, Destination El Paso will have its first community food drive at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, in the El Paso Convention Center west lot (behind the convention center).
The event is part of the organization’s Global Acts Community Program and aims to support families inneed across the region during the holiday season. The community initiative will bring together staff,volunteers and local partners to distribute essential pantry items such as rice, dry beans, pasta, cannedgoods, cereal, boxed mac and cheese, and other non-perishable foods.
“Giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do,” said Jose Garcia, president and CEO ofDestination El Paso in news release. “This food drive is an opportunity for our team and the community to come together to make a meaningful impact for families who need a little extra help this season.”
Abundant Living Faith Center to have Thanksgiving Food giveaway
Abundant Living Faith Center will have a giveaway of Thanksgiving turkeys and non-perishable food items on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Families can pick up a coupon during service to receive a turkey and sides. The giveaway will take place after each service, while supplies last. One coupon per family.
Services are at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Abundant East, 1000 Valley Crest, and Abundant West, 7100 N. Desert Blvd., and 10 a.m. at Abundant Downtown, 200 S. El Paso St. Information: abundant.org
Skinny BBQ to offer free Thanksgiving meal
Skinny BBQ, at 1320 N. Zaragoza Road, Suite 105, will offer a free Thanksgiving meal to those in need from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24. This will be the third annual year for this community event.
VFW Post 10354 to offer Thanksgiving dinner
The VFW Post 10354 will offer a free Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, Nov. 26, while supplies last at 9170 Cananea Lane. Doors will open at 5 p.m. There will be an open mic and karaoke.
Jalisco Cafe to offer free Thanksgiving dinner
Jalisco Cafe will offer a free Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at 1029 East Seventh Ave.
Community contributions are welcome. If you have extra turkeys, canned vegetables, bottled water, sodas, or desserts, please drop them off at the Jalisco Cafe. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted.
Rescue Mission of El Paso will offer Thanksgiving Day meal
The Rescue Mission of El Paso will also provide a Thanksgiving meal for people in need.
The organization will host the free holiday event at 221 N. Lee St. in Central El Paso from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. Information: 915-532-2575.
Salvation Army provides Thanksgiving Day meal
The Salvation Army will be hosting the annual drive-thru Thanksgiving Community Lunch. The meal includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, roll, pie, and soda.
People are asked to come by beforehand to pick up a meal ticket to use on Thanksgiving Day. Meal distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at 4300 E. Paisano Drive.
Sacred Heart Church to host Thanksgiving meal 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church will offer complimentary Thanksgiving meals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the church gym, 231 E. Father Rahm Ave. Volunteers are welcome. Information: 915-532-5447.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Jalisco Cafe, Skinny BBQ among places to give free Thanksgiving meal in El Paso
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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