Frank Garcia halts annual Thanksgiving dinner after 40 years

In a significant change for the community, the annual Thanksgiving dinner traditionally held at La Casa Garcia restaurant in Orange County was suspended this year. This decision marks the first time in nearly 40 years that the restaurant will not host its beloved event, which has provided meals for thousands of locals during the holiday. The owner, Frank Garcia, who has dedicated decades to giving back to the community, faced personal challenges this year. The 80-year-old has been battling health issues of his own, compounded by concerns for his wife, Sylvia, who is recovering from a stroke. With family being a priority, Frank Garcia made the heart-wrenching decision to discontinue the “We Give Thanks” community dinner this year. For nearly four decades, the Garcia family has welcomed those in need into their restaurant on Thanksgiving Day, offering a free meal to anyone who may not have a place to go. Frank's commitment to serving the community was evident in the Operation Thanksgiving, which grew from humble beginnings to hosting guests at the Honda Center parking lot, where hundreds of volunteers would gather to serve hundreds of people. Garcia’s daughter, Cindy, reflected on the bittersweet nature of this year's gathering, stating that they will still hold a small dinner for their family at home. Despite the change, Frank Garcia continues to express his love for people, sharing that he stops to buy food for families in need ahead of the holidays even now. The emotional weight of the decision is evident in Frank's words, emphasizing how difficult it is to not participate in an event that has been a longstanding tradition for their family and their community. Frank pointed out that while he cannot host the dinner this year, he hopes those still looking for a meal can find one at Harry's Cafe in Stanton, where they can receive support from his friend George. As he steps away from a tradition he's built his life around, Frank Garcia's heart remains committed to providing for others, even in times of personal struggle. This situation underscores how deeply intertwined community service and personal challenges can be, particularly in a family that has built so much around their Thanksgiving event. Individuals in Orange County who have relied on this Thanksgiving dinner must now seek alternatives, marking a significant shift in the community's holiday celebrations this year.