By Kathryn Reed

Walking up to the parish hall, that distinct smell of Thanksgiving fills the cold autumn air.

Dave digs into his apple pie at St. Theresa on Nov. 23. Photo/Kathryn Reed

About 30-people deep are bundled up outside of St. Theresa’s in South Lake Tahoe. It was an early Thanksgiving for the hundreds who came to dine this Monday night. For most, it will be their only Thanksgiving meal this week. For even more, it will be their only hot meal of the week.

Last year Bread & Broth served 250 people. This year, enough food for 400 was prepared. Before 5pm, more than 200 people had come through the doors.

Dave thinks he may have been to all 21 of the Thanksgiving dinners prepared by the nonprofit. He’s at the church hall on most Monday’s when Bread & Broth serves a free hot meal to anyone who wants it.

“A lot of people don’t realize how integral this is to our lives,” Dave said

Grace Hall becomes one big family. Photo/Kathryn Reed

as he finished his apple pie. “I don’t think the appreciation is adequate.” This he said of those who partake in the meal.

Ed pointed to Diane Weidinger across the room and said, “She does a little better than anyone else when it comes to cooking a meal.”

He talked about the “subtle nuances” of the flavors that filled his plate.

Turkey, stuffing, corn bread, a roll, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, juice, milk, coffee – it was a feast.

Tables are filled with all ages, couples, families, men and women. Some in need of food. Some wanting companionship more than a meal.

In the foyer are sweaters and other warm clothing for the taking.

Bread & Broth makes the evening special. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Mary grabbed a blanket that she was going to strap to her bike as she was about to ride in the dark to her quasi home at the Y. For now she’s with a friend, but he’s getting married soon and will be moving. She’ll be homeless again soon.

On the give-away table she looked for shoes for a homeless friend, but couldn’t find any.

She was chatting outside with Leslie. Leslie lives in a motel room near Stateline.

The two women raved about the meal and complained about the cold Tahoe night.

Hot meals are served in South Lake Tahoe for free every Monday at Grace Hall at St. Theresa Catholic Church and at Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church on Fridays. Both start at 4pm and are part of Bread & Broth.

To donate or volunteer, call Diane Weidinger at (775) 588.3993 or email dianeweidinger@yahoo.com.