Feeding the needy in Wilmington would not be possible without it being the brainchild of Jesus Gamboa. More than ten years ago Jesus was trying hurriedly to close up his business at Maya Restaurant on Thanksgiving Day when it was located at its Anaheim location. His wife Mary had already called twice telling him he needed to close up the restaurant and get on home because all their guests were waiting to say grace and begin dinner. Jesus hastily locked up the doors taking only the last of the daily trash for the outside dumpster.  He was met at the waste compartment by a man in tattered clothing. He asked Jesus if by chance he could get some hot food since he had not eaten in a day or two. Jesus told him that he was sorry but he did not have time to give him anything because he had to head home or face the wrath of his wife. He got in his car and drove off.

 

Jesus proceeded to have his Thanksgiving dinner but he felt quite uncomfortable. He went through holiday traditions with his family and was grateful for all that had been bestowed on him that year but it did not feel the same. He could not help but think of the man outside of the restaurant.  As the turkey dinner leftovers were being packed away, Jesus asked for a plate to be made up for him. Thinking he wanted an additional serving of holiday delicacies, the family members chuckled and obliged. He told them they did not understand and that he needed to take this plate to someone who needed a hot meal.  Jesus got in his car and drove back to the restaurant. He was excited to see that the man was still near the dumpster. He got out of the car, apologized for his dismissive behavior and handed him a hot meal. He also talked to the man for a bit. The man was so grateful for Jesus’ kindness. Jesus was glad he was able to help.

 

The next day Jesus arrived to the restaurant to find a small group of people waiting outside the restaurant. They had heard that this was the place where they could get a hot meal. Jesus chuckled and said, “ yes this is the place to get a hot meal.” He made sure all of them ate and then made a call to his wife Mary. He told her that next year he and the family needed to make sure some of the needy in the community ate before they sat down to eat their Thanksgiving dinner. Jesus stayed true to his word and that following year he and the family set up tables and chairs in the restaurant parking lot and fed all who came. The tradition had begun.

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The Rodriguez Family got involved a few years later. They became regulars at Maya restaurant in the early 90’s and loved the concept of a family restaurant in the Wilmington neighborhood. At first, it was Robert and Theresa who started getting involved with Jesus on Thanksgiving.  They asked their daughter Catherine and her friend Jennifer whom work as teachers at Banning High School if they, and any of their former students wanted to help. Robert Rodriguez penned the phrase, “If we cook it they will come.” It was the motto for that year and a new collaboration began with Banning High School students, teachers and alumni.  Jesus told others too. A good friend of his named Santee became the official turkey woman. She went out to the surrounding communities to get turkey donations. Other people and organizations got involved as well.  Groups like Wilmington’s Sunshine Club, SPPY-W YMCA Youth and Government Delegation and the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor

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Since 2008, some of the main characters have changed. Jesus Gamboa has retired and sold the business to the Sanchez brothers. Santee passed away this year leaving a huge gap for us to fill.  Despite the founders passing the torch, Jesus’ idea just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Some say our new concept which is “A Needy Wilmington” is negative. We disagree. When there are no longer any people in need in Wilmington then we will change its name. Until then we will keep collaborating to help our fellow community members who may need a helping hand.