PICKETT HOUSE THANKSGIVING BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY MEAL

By Sal Baldovinos

WOODVILLE, Texas – November 28, 2025

The first-ever community Thanksgiving meal hosted at the Pickett House Restaurant brought more people together than anyone expected, as volunteers and donors helped serve 171 meals to Tyler County residents on Thanksgiving Day.

According to organizers, the idea began with Pickett House General Manager Loria Flanigan, who approached the Tyler County Heritage Society earlier this year with a request to use the historic restaurant for a community meal. The board voted in favor, giving her the green light to turn the concept into reality.

Flanigan quietly saved money throughout the year to help fund the event and then asked her staff if they were willing to volunteer their holiday. Every one of them agreed. She also reached out to local partners for support, including Coleman Family Mortuary, which donated fifteen turkeys weighing between 20 and 25 pounds each. Ben E. Keith Foods also contributed key ingredients, donating bulk quantities of produce and canned goods, while the remaining items were purchased by Flanigan.

In the early hours of Thanksgiving morning, the kitchen came to life. Staff arrived at 2 a.m., preparing turkey, ham, dressing, chicken and dumplings, casseroles, scalloped potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce and banana pudding. By 11 a.m., a line stretched out the door as residents from across Tyler County gathered for a warm meal and a place to spend the holiday.

Volunteers included Ladonda Lee, Vivian Lee, Zack Martin, Avalea Baldovinos, Chaiya Baldovinos, and Troy Miles Calvert, along with Pickett House board president Mike Cabaniss, who spent the day helping wash dishes. Staff continued working until 3:30 p.m., serving meals before beginning the cleanup.

The event surpassed its original goal of feeding 150 people, ultimately serving 171 meals. Organizers say next year’s event is already in planning, with a donor lined up to provide hams for the 2026 Thanksgiving meal.

Flanigan said the success of the event reflects the generosity of Tyler County residents and the willingness of local businesses to support their neighbors. She noted that the staff not only volunteered their holiday but also spent the year setting aside funds to cover remaining costs after donations.

Pickett House staff expressed their gratitude to the Tyler County Heritage Society for allowing use of the restaurant, to the Coleman family for their immediate support when asked about turkey donations, and to Ben E. Keith Foods for providing fresh produce and essentials.

Organizers said they hope to continue building on the tradition, ensuring that anyone without a place to go on Thanksgiving has a warm meal and a welcoming table in Woodville.

Photos provide by General Manager