For Isabel Patton, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a cherished family tradition and a testament to her grandmother’s legacy of generosity and compassion. This tradition, which has become a hallmark of the Liendo family, began in 1994 with Isabel’s grandmother, Carrie Liendo Ruiz.

It all started in the warmth of Carrie’s home. Isabel recalls how each Thanksgiving, her grandmother would prepare plates of food for neighbors who were alone or elderly. “It was her way of giving thanks for all her blessings,” Isabel reminisces. “The grandchildren, including myself, would take the plates to the neighbors. It was a way for us to give back to the community that had supported our family.”

As the years passed, Carrie realized that many more in the Cuero area were in need of a Thanksgiving meal. Driven by her strong sense of community, she decided to expand the tradition into a larger, community-wide effort. Her dream was to ensure that everyone in Cuero, regardless of their circumstances, would have a place to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Isabel began organizing the event in 2006, before her grandmother’s passing on February 28, 2007. With her grandmother’s blessing, Isabel took over the Thanksgiving meal program and continued the tradition that had become so meaningful to their family and the community.

Her Uncle David was instrumental in rallying support, especially from the men who would cook the turkeys outside from 6 PM until the following morning. Sadly, many of these dedicated helpers, including Larry Carter, Rudy Perez, Marcello Varela, Carrie Valenzula, and Isabel’s Uncle David, have since passed away. Fela Nava, who usually prepared the giblet gravy, also passed away, but Isabel has now taken over this task as well.

This year, they prepared 48 turkeys and served 600 people, most of whom were less fortunate, disabled, or elderly and homebound. “We had trouble delivering plates this time because many of our usual volunteer drivers have passed away,” Isabel explains.

The event took place on Thanksgiving Day at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. The hall opened at 8 a.m., and at 10 a.m., the first trays were sent out. At noon, there was a sit-down dinner for volunteers and anyone else who wanted to join. Preparation began the day before, with volunteers decorating the hall, wrapping pies, cutting and slicing, dressing the turkeys, and putting them on the pit.


The past couple of years has been a challenge finding volunteers. “I prayed that God would send us volunteers because it gets really hard to pull this off with just a handful of people. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. We need people to help set up, debone the turkey, serve, and clean up, as well as cooks who can pull an all-nighter,” she says. Last year, it took us three hours to debone the turkey. This year we were able to do it in an hour said Isabel, as she turned with a smile and gazed at the dozens of volunteers, working at various stations.

Through Isabel’s dedication, Carrie’s legacy of love and generosity continues to thrive, ensuring that no one in Cuero goes without a meal on Thanksgiving.

For those interested in supporting this cause, donations and volunteer sign-ups are greatly appreciated. “They can call me, Isabel Patton, at 361-564-7868, Monetary donations can be made to Let’s Stand Together at Wells Fargo Bank.
Video “Let’s Stand Together” crew: Facebook

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