Thanksgiving was always a cherished time for traditions and family gatherings – until last year when COVID-19 changed everything. A year ago, most Americans were making plans for staying in their homes during the holidays to prevent the spread of the potentially deadly virus and protect themselves from its terrible effects.
This year, on Oct. 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released public health guidelines for the holiday season. The CDC is not discouraging family gatherings completely this year and yet has special advice for older adults and others who have medical conditions or medications that weaken their immune systems. This population group most likely is not fully protected, even if they wear masks, are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. Furthermore, it is critically important to steer clear of anyone who has refused to get vaccinated or wear a mask.
If you're 65 or older and decide to stay away from family gatherings, you have an opportunity to receive, at no cost, a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings on a first-requested, first-served basis. Staff and volunteers from the Pasadena Senior Center will deliver more than 250 chef-prepared meals in the Pasadena area Wednesday, Nov. 24, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All you have to do is refrigerate them and reheat the food the next day.
You do not have to be a member of the Pasadena Senior Center, and there is no income criteria. There is a limit of two meals per household. To request a meal, register on our homepage or call 626-795-4331.
Despite the circumstances, those who are at risk can still find meaningful and productive methods for connecting with one another on Nov. 25 through phone calls, Zoom, FaceTime and other creative ways.
Happy Thanksgiving!
