San Antonio families and community members can now sign up to help with the city’s beloved Raul Jiménez Thanksgiving Dinner. The 47‑year‑old tradition, which provides thousands of meals to residents facing food insecurity, opens its volunteer registration on Tuesday.
Mayor leads the launch
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones will kick off the online registration process with a livestream at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The mayor’s participation underscores the city’s commitment to supporting families during the holiday season. If technical difficulties arise, viewers are encouraged to check back later for a re‑broadcast.
Event details
The dinner will be held at the Henry B. González Convention Center, a central venue that can accommodate the large crowds expected for this year’s event. Organizers have set an ambitious goal: to serve 25,000 meals to people in need throughout the San Antonio area.
How to volunteer
Anyone interested in lending a hand can find registration information on the event’s official website. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, including food preparation, serving, clean‑up, and logistical support. The online form allows participants to select preferred shift times and specific duties, making it easy for busy families to contribute.
Why the dinner matters
Since its inception in 1979, the Raul Jiménez Thanksgiving Dinner has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s charitable landscape. The dinner not only provides a warm meal but also offers a sense of community and hope to those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. Local churches, businesses, and civic groups regularly partner with the organizers to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Community impact
Past editions of the dinner have served tens of thousands of meals, reinforcing the city’s tradition of caring for its most vulnerable residents. By mobilizing volunteers and donors, the event helps reduce food insecurity and strengthens the bonds between neighbors.
Get involved
Volunteers are encouraged to register early, as spots fill quickly. The website also provides details on how to donate food, money, or in‑kind supplies for those who prefer to support the dinner in other ways. For more information, visit the Raul Jiménez Thanksgiving Dinner site or contact the organizing committee directly.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope that this year’s dinner will set a new benchmark for community participation and meal distribution. With the mayor’s visible support and a strong network of local partners, the event is poised to continue its legacy of generosity for many years to come.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
