Dozens at Tierra Del Sol receive a warm meal this Memorial Day

The Cathedral City Senior Center helped the residents of Tierra Del Sol, the low-income housing development next door, acknowledge Memorial Day by facilitating meals to be delivered to each household.

One resident at Tierra Del Sol showed her appreciation as volunteers from the senior center delivered her meal this holiday. 

“Oh I think its wonderful that the senior center and Nicolino’s and whoever is responsible," said Dolores. "I am a widow of a veteran and I really appreciate this.” 

For Ralph Thompsoncantua, a veteran, delivering the dinners. He said its been humbling to see people’s response as he makes his rounds. 

 “It’s nice, warm. make the heart feel good to know that you’re helping people who don’t have as much," said Thompsoncantua.  

Staff at the senior center tell News Channel 3 that they are distributing 52 meals to over 40 different households.

“It makes me feel good," said Steve Hill, a resident at Tierra Del Sol. "It makes me feel that I am not alone and that I am not so isolated after all. Of course, I am doing my part to stay shelter in place and this is just a very nice gesture and I really appreciate it."

But this kind gesture was a team effort starting with Nicolino's restaurant, who prepared the meals for the low-income housing development during this time of need. 

“It’s a special day," said Mark Carnevale, Owner of Nicolino's Italian Restaurant. "With everybody quarantined, they haven’t been anywhere so this could just add a little bit more excitement and a little bit of icing on the cake for them.” 

And that little bit of excitement is what Fred Diamond, a Vietnam War veteran said he needed as he celebrates this year’s holiday a bit different.

“Normally on this day, I would be at one of our Memorial Day events at the cemetery or in a church so because of COVID shutdown all of these are cancelled,"said Diamond. "For them to do this here it's an honor.” 

“I thank all of our veterans that are watching this because we won’t not have our freedom without you," said Dolores.