A sour economy could explain why so many people sought help in Denver on Thanksgiving Day — and why so many were willing to give a hand.
At Jackson’s Hole Sports Grill, over 5 tons of clothes were handed out Thursday morning. Inside the bar, more than 1,580 meals were served, thanks to a combined effort by Jackson’s Hole, ARC Thrift Store, Volunteers of America and Starbucks.
Also pitching in was former Denver Nugget Marcus Camby, who paid for the turkey dinners.
“Even though he was traded away (to the Los Angeles Clippers), he made the commitment to us, and he was true to his word,” said Jim White, Volunteers of America director of community affairs.
Jackson’s opened at 10 a.m., and in 15 minutes, more than 1,200 meals had been served.
“Absolutely, this is the biggest Thanksgiving here ever,” White said. “And we saw more children than ever before.”
That included 10-year-old Emma Barajas, who sat with her wheelchair-bound grandmother enjoying her Thanksgiving feast.
“It’s so nice here, and the people have been great too,” Emma said.
In south Denver, there has been a huge influx of homeless kids at the Urban Peak shelter, which can house up to 50 at a time.
“There’s been a pretty good upswing of kids,” Urban Peak spokesman Robert Ham said.
On Thanksgiving morning, all the residents were treated to a brunch of muffins, eggs and sausage, all served up by volunteers and Urban Peak board members. Later, they were treated to a turkey dinner at downtown Denver’s Rock Bottom Brewery.
Michael Escobedo, 18, an Urban Peak resident since September, prepared for his Thanksgiving meal by giving thanks that he wasn’t living on the street.
“These people are good here; they help us stay on track and out of trouble,” he said.
Back in January 1985, when 58-year-old Rosa Linda opened her restaurant in Denver, America was mired in an economic recession. So, to celebrate her first year, she decided to feed neighbors for free on Thanksgiving.
The tradition of free Thanksgiving meals continued Thursday at Rosa Linda’s Mexican Cafe, where she and her five kids and three grandchildren produced meals for more than 4,000 people.
Volunteers also hoped to deliver heaping turkey-filled tortilla shells, pinto beans and rice to as many as 3,000 people.
Cooking started at Rosa Linda’s at 5 a.m.
“I don’t mind the work,” she said.
“When I see a child’s eyes light up, that is enough for me.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
