One of Mexico’s long-standing Thanksgiving traditions once again provided much-needed relief last week. And while COVID-19 put a cramp in First Baptist Church’s Thanksgiving Day Hot Meal plans, the church pivoted and delivered.

For over 25 years, the church has served hot Thanksgiving meals to the community, averaging between 400 to 600 annually. This year instead of hot meals, First Baptist provided families in need with everything needed to cook their own Thanksgiving day feasts at home. It was something they felt had to be done, considering the current pandemic.

“We just felt because of COVID, it was good to do the meals,” said J’Teena Logerman, chairperson of the church outreach committee.

The effort took place Monday, Nov. 23. Recipients received full-fledged Thanksgiving dinners, ready to be cooked for the big day. Each basket included a turkey, instant mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, gravy, rolls, and a frozen pie. Funding for the effort came from church members and supporters throughout the community.

Approximately 70 baskets were fulfilled, as volunteers fanned out, making deliveries through Mexico. In all, baskets fed an estimated 380 people. They started their day around 9:30 a.m. and wrapped things up around 4:30 p.m.

“It is a churchwide project,” said Logerman, “and we had a great response”.