Feast Mode: Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales Delivers Thanksgiving Meals to West Side Seniors
November 19, 2020 - West Side
Talk turkey to me. District 5 San Antonio City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales (left) and her staff delivered Thanksgiving meals to vulnerable seniors who are unable to gather to celebrate because of Covid-19 safety requirements. Photo: Facebook.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- On Thursday, San Antonio City Councilwoman delivered Thanksgiving meals to seniors in the District 5 area
- San Antonio City Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan will host a drive-through Thanksgiving meal event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at 5532 Walzem Road
On Thursday, District 5 San Antonio City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales delivered the spirit of Thanksgiving to seniors in her community who are unable to gather to celebrate because of Covid-19 safety requirements.
“Every year we have a big Thanksgiving event where hundreds of people from our community gather to give thanks, share a meal and be in each other’s company,” Gonzales said in an emailed statement, “but this year, because of Covid, we’ve had to do something different.”
Gonzales and her staff partnered with The Arizona Cafe and the Westwood Square Neighborhood Association to prepare and deliver 300 Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens who live throughout the West Side district.
“We wanted to make sure to celebrate the season with our seniors, but we also needed to keep them safe and guard their health,” Gonzales added. “We are very grateful to our elders for all they’ve done for us, for the community they’ve built, for the love they’ve given and the sacrifices they’ve made.”
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District 5 has the highest Covid case and fatality rate in the city. This is largely due to the fact that many D5 residents work in essential capacities, cannot work remotely, live in multi-generational homes and in dense neighborhoods. Caring for seniors, especially in the holiday season that usually includes large gatherings, becomes a top priority.
According to a press release, planning is underway for this year’s December holiday celebration.
On Friday, District 2 Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan and her staff will host a drive-through Thanksgiving on the city’s East Side. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5532 Walzem Road in the Northeast YMCA parking lot.
Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles and follow Covid safety protocols. Social distancing and masks are required. Register for this event here.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded