Hundreds of Thanksgiving meals given to people — and animals — in need in Fort Worth
Across Fort Worth, traditional Thanksgiving dishes were given out to humans and creatures alike on Thursday afternoon.
At the Fort Worth Animal Shelter on Martin Street, volunteers handed out platters of turkey, green beans and pumpkin to their 500 dogs and 75 cats. Through donations and supplies they bought, they were able to give them all a full meal.
A lucky few even got seconds.
Jessica Brown, animal shelter superintendent, allowed Turkey, the 10-month-old hound mix, to wolf down a second helping since he was the star of Thursday’s meal.
Turkey shared the limelight with 4-month-old Butternut Squash, who also nibbled on a second plate.
The cats were naturally more aloof than their canine counterparts, but their empty bowls proved their enthusiasm just the same.
Brown has worked at the shelter for a year. She said her last shelter in Detroit had Thanksgiving for their animals, and she wanted to do the same for Fort Worth’s furry residents.
The shelter will also host a “Black Fur-Day” on Friday and Saturday, when adoptions will be $10. The Martin Street location will be closed Friday, but the shelter will have adoptions at PetSmart in Fort Worth.
A few miles away, volunteers handed out platters of food to a different crowd at the Salvation Army on East Lancaster Avenue.
About 200 people ate generous helpings of turkey, dressing, green beans with smoked bacon, potatoes and pie, Chef Michael Lynth said.
Roscoe Houston and his brother, Isaac Houston, said this was their second year eating Thanksgiving dinner at the shelter.
“It’s a blessing,” Isaac Houston said.
“On a scale of one to 10, I give it a 10,” his brother said. “It helps you get ahead when you got no money.”
Dolores Watts, Major at the Salvation Army, said the meal provides a sense of community for people as well.
“I think it’s very important because we’re able to wrap our arms around those who probably would not have a Thanksgiving dinner,” Watts said. “And to be able to fellowship and talk with one another about life, about what’s happening.”
About 35 volunteers helped hand out the food and package plates to go, Administrative Coordinator Tanya Charles said.
Kevin Gonzalez said he and his family volunteer at the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving whenever they’re in Fort Worth for the holiday.
“We have a lot of blessings and privileges that other people may not have had the opportunity to have,” he said. “Just trying to give back to the community with our church and spread the love of the Lord.”
