Touring the streets of downtown Laredo, TX, there is chatter from the walls and alleys of excitement and almost discussion on validity.  In Spanish, the conversation goes, “they say they are giving away a turkey at eight.”

Just then, Aurora, my guide for the event—chimed in and affirmed and corrected—again in Spanish, “Si, alas nueve” (Yes, at nine [a.m.]).  The group of men turned surprised and laughed a bit and we toured on.  Where downtown Laredo has transformed in the last twenty-five years, developing as an attraction more so now than in decades.   

Those in need and that have arrived for the Thanksgiving meal await patiently as the main event, the food, is rounding around the corner.  Rolling through police barricaded streets, hitched to a super duty truck is the iron giant, smoking during the drive—a cow leg. 

The love that poured into this event hosted by David and his restaurant—Livi’s Mexicue—prepared nearly a hundred turkey legs cooked to perfection, along with the cow leg that was smoked for twenty-five hours. 

“My guy driving behind me saw the thermometer spike to five-hundred degrees while I was driving.  Because of the wind!”  Said David. 

“I had to pull over mid-way to cool the smoker off with water.” He added. 

The assembly line formed quickly once food arrived, and with the installation of pumping Tejano music inflamed the downtown streets, people began to line up.  Carving the meat and serving sides the team of volunteers provide in a humble manner.  Organized and healthy servings indeed.

One gentleman, who was thankful for the food and the community, was a former baseball player.  A catcher, who even played for the local baseball team, the Tecos.  He blamed his knees for not keeping up with him.  He also took home two extra turkey legs that were left behind unfinished by others.  Which speaks to the nature of some of the behaviors of street mentality. 

Others were taking plates and placing them in their carts to take with them elsewhere.  Many dined on the tables provided.  Nearby there were other charitable activities and many of these individuals were visiting them. 

Caretakers with their patients took home plates.  As this event was encouraging all that are lonely on this holiday to have a welcomed meal here in the community.

When David was asked why or how he uses his ambition to run an event like this he described what people told him.  To paraphrase, one gentleman lost his wife this year, and didn’t want to be alone.  He made himself two plates, confirming the purpose of being a welcoming community event, but also enabling the ability to have a meal in spirit, is how these volunteers describe their motive of ambition.    
The ambition of bringing music, turkey and sides, and smoking a cow leg sacrificing sleep is exhibition of that.  To have the city of Laredo with city council support in attendance and news stations broadcasting the event is in exhibit that speaks to the overall heartfelt nature of the community and spirit of the holiday and people. 

The energy of the dynamic socioeconomic landscape, with government employees eating alongside common day people, charged the peace of the meal with a tally for extended credit.  

The volunteers still had enough time to enjoy their holiday as well, or like in David’s case, go back to work at the restaurant. Which displays the passion for helping through something you do and do well.  “Helping out” and charity normally arises out of an occasion or event that brings light to a family or individual.  To contribute in a charitable manner using your craft and skill is perhaps fulfilling a life vocation, which many of us grow up feeling more of a need to do. Rightfully so, as the progression of humanity depends on the art of giving in a feasible way that can be multiplied and even sustained.  As for these volunteers, they have established a pillar in the downtown block of Laredo for Thanksgiving.  And erecting that ceiling is a challenge surely to be gobbled up.