The Narrow Door feeds hundreds full Thanksgiving meal

Thanksgiving is a day when families gather to enjoy a meal together and remember all the things they’re grateful for.

For those less fortunate the day can be a reminder of what they don’t have.

But thanks to the help of some valley organizations that doesn’t have to be the case.

Mary Cortes and Rachel Stevens said their lives would be a lot different if it weren’t for The Narrow Door.

“It means a lot. My family is very far away. So to me Narrow Door has been there for me like family,” Stevens said.

Cortes said The Narrow Door is helping her over come her illness.

“It helps a lot because I’m very sick and with the prayers it makes me comfortable,” Cortes said.

On Thanksgiving the organization served a full meal complete with all the traditional fixings.

“It’s incredible just to see how the community has come together. We always say it’s a community block party when we come out and serve because we believe when you shake the hands of somebody that’s in need, that you’ll never forget that face,” said Narrow Door co-founder David Ramirez.

Recently granted the $25,000 Coachella Valley Spotlight grant from the Berger Foundation, The Narrow Door is now able to take its good will on the road.

“We were able to get a truck to pull our mobile kitchens throughout the Coachella Valley to feed families in need. So just this year alone we were able to up our amount of families being served on the streets,” Ramirez said.

The organization’s volunteers serve up hot meals as well as provide families with essentials like clothes and housing.

“So they’re able to get food, clothing, a hygiene kit. We also brought out the Rescue Mission so they can get into housing there,” Ramirez said.

Both recipients and organizers understand there’s much to be thankful for.

“I’m thankful for my life and still being here today,” Cortes said.

“I’m thankful for my family and a community that cares for one another,” Ramirez said.