Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

'Just come and eat'

Lighthouse Mission hosts holiday meal today.

CLOVIS - Those in need of some company, some food or a little of both today are invited to a community Thanksgiving meal at the Lighthouse Mission.

Now in its 15th year in the upgraded kitchen at 407 L. Casillas Blvd., the meal runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to all at no charge.

"We'll be open for anybody that comes in to eat with us - no qualifications, just come and eat," said Lighthouse Mission Executive Director Richard Gomez. "It will be a traditional meal with all the traditional fixings."

Gomez anticipated over 200 people coming to the meal today, in addition to 160 meals the shelter staff are slated to deliver so far.

"Sometimes there's poverty in our community, you know, financially, but there's also poverty where people don't have anyone to be with during the holidays," Gomez said. "This is an opportunity for people to come and be with us and share a meal. Plus for our volunteers, it's important for them to be able to give back."

"We love to serve these meals," said Victoria Archibeque, a Lighthouse Mission clothing coordinator volunteer of more than 20 years. "It's nice to see the families enjoy them, and you don't realize how many families need them, too."

"I get up in the morning and I look forward to coming here and helping instead of staying at home on my own," she added.

For more information, call 575-762-1933.