Harvest House
BURLESON — Every year, the Harvest House in Burleson gives away free Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. Typically, on the very first day they start distributing the food, they find two or three people in line.
This year, however, was a lot different.
Not even Harvest House executive director Alice Bleeker saw it coming. A line of at least 50 people was at the door first thing Thursday morning, knowing the people of the Harvest House would help them provide for their families this Thanksgiving.
"I'm very, very grateful for everything they do for us and our community," said recipient Ingeborg Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is just one of many facing hard times in Burleson. She was grateful to receive one of 250 boxed Thanksgiving dinners with all the staples and even a voucher for a turkey — all for free.
Lawanna Pruitt said she is struggling more than ever this year, raising two grandsons while she and her husband are both out of work.
"Jobs are so hard to come by around here," Pruitt said.
But at the Harvest House, it's all about helping those in need, thanks to 25 years of contributions from the community.
"We would not be able to be here if it weren't for them," Bleeker said. "From the churches to the businesses to the city of Burleson to the individuals, everybody comes together and supports us."
As of noon Wednesday, Harvest House staff members said they had handed out 75 dinners. They said there are 175 more and that they will continue giving them out until next Wednesday — or until they run out.
The Harvest House helps those in need in Burleson, Joshua and Alvarado.
E-mail cvega@wfaa.com
