Vacaville Veterans Hall Delivers 1,000 Thanksgiving Meals Today
UPDATE: Just hours ago, the Vacaville Veterans Hall sprang into action, preparing over 1,000 Thanksgiving meals for the community. At 3 a.m., volunteers, led by American Legion Adjutant Jeff Jewel, began a massive operation to cook 62 turkeys and 350 pounds of ham, ensuring that no one in Vacaville goes hungry this holiday season.
As dawn broke, the basement kitchen transformed from a quiet space into a bustling hub, filled with the sounds of laughter and the mouthwatering aromas of holiday cooking. Volunteers, many of whom are veterans, gathered shoulder to shoulder, working tirelessly to assemble meals for both delivery and in-person dining.
“It’s the most volunteers we’ve had,” Jewel noted, highlighting the community spirit that drives this event. This year marks Jewel’s 37th year participating in the effort, which has evolved from serving a handful of homeless veterans to providing meals for the entire community.
By sunrise, the assembly line was in full swing, with volunteers taking on specific roles—serving turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. The atmosphere was electric, with calls of “Ham!” and “Stuffing!” echoing as fresh trays were swiftly replenished from the warmers.
Among the dedicated volunteers was veteran Steve Arons, a former Navy and Air Force retiree who has committed to supporting the community through this effort for the past four years. “I just want to support the community,” he said passionately.
Additionally, Vacaville City Councilman Greg Ritchie shared his personal connection to the event, recalling how he participated as a middle school student. “It became a way to spend time together, eat, and help serve the community,” he reminisced. His dedication has continued for nearly three decades, underscoring the event’s deep-rooted significance in Vacaville.
This year, the team prepared not only meals for delivery but also welcomed approximately 250 to 300 guests to enjoy Thanksgiving in person at the Veterans Hall. The operation, which began as a small effort to feed those in need, has become a hallmark of community resilience and generosity.
Jewel expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, saying, “Thank you. This is a great community to live in and this is all about helping community.”
As the sun rose higher on Thanksgiving morning, the spirit of giving filled the air of Vacaville, exemplifying the strength of community bonds. With over 1,000 meals now on their way to families throughout the area, the impact of this effort will be felt well beyond the holiday.
Stay tuned for more updates on community initiatives as Vacaville continues to show the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
