Free Thanksgiving meals in Las Cruces. Those in need can celebrate too.
The holidays can be a difficult time for those who don’t have the funds or family to celebrate with.
To help, the Sun-News has put together a list of places in Las Cruces that offer free meal and a place to gather Thanksgiving Day, Nov.23.
If it helps one person, a family or friend in need, consider spreading the word about these five opportunities.
Lalo’s Sonora Style Dogs
Lalo’s is hosting a drawing for one Thanksgiving meal basket that includes a turkey with a pan to cook it, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, dinner rolls and a pumpkin pie.
To enter, participants must make a purchase at the food truck which will enter them into the drawing. One entry per purchase. The contest ends Saturday, Nov. 18.
What: Free Thanksgiving basket contest Where: 110 North Solano in Las CrucesWhen: Nov. 1 through Nov. 18 Cost: Must make a purchase at location to enter drawing
Nubes Dispensary
Nubes Dispensary will close its locations for the second year in a row to offer free breakfast in support of those in its Sunland Park and Las Cruces communities. Nubes is local business that sells cannabis and medicinal products.
What: Breakfast event Where: 100 Maguey Ct. in Sunland Park and 1713 E. University Ave. in Las Cruces When: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, all morning Cost: Free
Chala’s Wood Fire Grill
Chala’s in Mesilla will hold its annual Thanksgiving Day lunch for those who need a place to go and enjoy a meal this holiday. Sticking with tradition, the restaurant has provided a free meal for the last nine years to people who can’t afford it or don’t have family to celebrate with.
The owners said challenges in the restaurant industry over the last few years almost prevented them from holding this year’s lunch, but they decided to proceed after much consideration.
What: Thanksgiving Day lunch Where: 2790 Avenida de Mesilla in Mesilla When: 11 a.m. to 2. p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23Cost: Free
El Caldito Soup Kitchen
El Caldito Soup Kitchen will continue its tradition of providing lunch on Thanksgiving Day to anyone who shows up. A traditional menu with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and greens will be served. El Caldito also provides meals daily, not just on Thanksgiving Day, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has been Las Cruces’ long-time place for hot meals for the less fortunate.
What: Thanksgiving lunch Where: 999 W Amador Ave. in Las Cruces When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23 Cost: Free
Thanksgiving dinner provided by volunteers
Community members can expect a full Thanksgiving dinner provided by Tzontlimatzi Duran Corena and local volunteers. Duran Corena, a good Samaritan, said she feeds those in need monthly with Thanksgiving being the first time she’s able to provide a holiday meal.
The dinner will include a turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner roll, and choice of a soda or water. A sack lunch for a later meal will also be offered.
What: Thanksgiving dinner Where: 1205 El Paseo Rd. in Las Cruces near the old Village Inn building When: 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23 Cost: Free
Ernesto Cisneros is a reporting fellow with the UNM/NM Local News Fund program. He covers education for the Sun-News and can be reached at ECisneros@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter at @ernestcisneros.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Free Thanksgiving Day meals in Las Cruces
