by ABC-7 Reporter Veronique Masterson

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- As the nation's economic turmoil continues, many nationwide are struggling to put food on the table this Thanksgiving. The situation is no different here in the Borderland.

ABC-7 met several people stopping by a Las Cruces food pantry for the first time as families at Casa de Peregrinos waited patiently for their Thanksgiving meals.

"My husband's not working right now, I'm not working. It's hard. I'm not getting food stamps. It's hard," said a mother of four, who chose not to give her name.

She said she was struggling to feed her family. Her story reflects that of many at the food pantry where hundreds of boxes filled with food were given to needy families.

"We have a lot of new ones today. A lot of new clients we've never had before. We're helping anybody that's coming through the door," said Rebeca Renteria, executive director of Casa de Peregrinos.

The center gave out more than 200 holiday turkeys with all the fixings. Despite the tough economic times, volunteers helped any way they could.

Some meals were donated by Onate High School's Honor Society. The meals were already prepared for those without a place to cook.

Fruits, vegetables, canned goods, fresh produce, flour and sugar are just some of the food families were able to take home thanks to the community's donations.

"Everyone needs to pitch in. It's a time when the community needs to come together," an anonymous donor said.

The Las Cruces mother hoped her family's situation was temporary. "God willing in the future, I know it won't always be this way. I hope I can be on the other side. Give the help and not need the help."

To contact Casa de Peregrinos, call (575) 523-5542.

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