More than 1,000 in Las Vegas gave thanks at Catholic Charity

Like most Americans, Dennis and Linda Norman look forward to spending Thanksgiving with family.

So on every fourth Thursday in November for the past eight years they have spent the day with hundreds of people whose Thanksgiving meal is served at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada's downtown dining room.

"You know what? This is just one big family," Linda Norman said, gesturing to tables decorated with pumpkins and squash and a room packed with smiling and dancing men and women Thursday morning.

Affected by chronic health problems, the couple, married 36 years ago on Halloween, has been in and out of Las Vegas homeless shelters for 20 years, they said.

"I'm dying of cancer, but I'm blessed," Linda said as she wiped a tear from her eye. The overflowing plates, bustling cafeteria and cheery volunteers bring her joy.

She and her husband, like the 1,000-plus others in attendance, came to the dining room, at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Owens Avenue, to celebrate the holiday the traditional way — with food.

"We have plenty for everyone to have seconds or thirds if they want to," said Catholic Charities spokeswoman Leslie Carmine.

Volunteers started arriving at 2 a.m. to prepare entrees, side dishes and deserts. Roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, biscuits and pumpkin cheesecake made this year's menu.

"In this dining room, the blessing comes with the meal, not before it," reads a message from the charity's CEO, Deacon Thomas Roberts, painted on the dining room wall.

It's a slogan that resonates with both helpers and those being helped, according to Roberts.

"If you see the volunteers, they're smiling. They are getting more than they're giving. That's the gift," he said.

As many as 15 people show up each day to feed the hundreds of people getting regular assistance from the meal program, but on Thanksgiving their ranks multiply by ten, allowing guests to be served as well.

Hae Un Lee, CEO of Lee's Discount Liquor, was hard at work Thursday. He said he not only helps serve but also donates $5,000 every year, to give back.

"I've lived here for 36 years," he said. "This community has supported me (a lot)."

The man behind the spread, head chef Juan Penate, has worked for the charity for six years. He wrote the menu and oversaw the organized chaos it took to prepare 750 pounds of turkey and 60 gallons of gravy, among other things.

"It stopped being a job, because you get all hooked up into serving the community. It's obvious that we see that there's need out there," he said.

Each plate costs about $5, Penate estimated. Unlike daily meals offered by the charity, food for the special occasion was not donated.

Contact Kimberly De La Cruz at kdelacruz@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @KimberlyinLV