CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Several businesses and nonprofits are giving back this holiday season by serving hot meals to those in need on Thanksgiving Day.
Six years ago, Antonio Cortez opened the doors of his business, T&A Auto Services, on Thanksgiving Day. Since then he's served thousands of turkey legs and has seen how a meal can make an impact.
"It's heartwarming, it's something you know I see the appreciation of people, Corpus Christi people are loving people," he said. "Most of us care for one another and this is just a way to show I care. One gentleman that actually helped me start it out, unfortunately he was homeless when we started it and he is doing really good now. He's got his own place, he's doing great. And that's what we like to see, these people move forward and get their life back together."
Cortez and his crew started cooking Wednesday morning and are hoping to be done by midnight.
He said each year this event grows more and more.
"We're trying to hit 400," Cortez said. "Last year, we did about 250, 260 somewhere around there. We got way more turkeys than what we got last year so we're hoping we can feed more."
He said in addition to food, there will be hygiene packs and winter clothing distributed, as well as delivery of plates to people with disabilities.
"This year, I'm going to try to see if any disable people need a plate," Cortez said. "They're welcomed to call and I'm going to try to have someone deliver for them."
Over at Sokol Hall, organizers with the 81st Annual Joe Salem Thanksgiving Dinner said they're hoping to give away 500 meals.
"The meal is a turkey leg and all of the sides that you would expect for Thanksgiving, green beans, corn, mash potatoes, a pie, a drink, a roll, everything. And it's all so good," organizer Elaine Medina said.
She said it's a community event and everyone is welcome to join.
"Who wants to be alone on Thanksgiving? Come out and get a free meal and come and hang out with us," Medina said.
The Salvation Army will also distribute Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Organizers said tickets for that meal were already passed out ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. They're hoping to serve 1,000 people. Meals will not be distributed to those who show up without a ticket.