TACOMA, Wash. — For nine years and counting, a Tacoma family served a Thanksgiving Feast for people in need, honoring the legacy of their late matriarch, Nora Lee Walker. She dedicated her life to helping others.
The annual event, "Set the Table Thanksgiving Feed," is organized by The Nora Lee Walker Foundation. They prepared and distributed meals to the unhoused and residents in shelters, ensuring no one goes without a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day.
"This is our way of honoring my grandmother's spirit. She fed anyone who needed food, and we’re carrying on that tradition," LeNora Hawkins, one of Walker's grandchildren, said.
Walker, who passed away in 2013, was known for her selflessness and generosity, often feeding anyone who came to her door, whether they asked for a meal or a few dollars.
"We can feel her spirit when we’re doing this because it’s exactly what she would have done. She literally fed everybody," Hawkins said.
KING 5 went with Hawkins when she, and an uncle, delivered meals to Shiloh Baptist Church's Men’s Shelter. They brought them fifty meals. The shelter's supervisor, Kim Andrews, expressed deep gratitude for the act of kindness, emphasizing the importance of community and love.
“This is our command, to love one another. It just feels right and beautiful to be a part of giving to people, especially those in need of food and shelter," Andrews said.
For Hawkins and her family, the tradition is more than just an annual event; It’s a way to keep Walker’s memory alive and ensure her legacy of giving continues.
“Whenever we had extra, she would always feed the neighborhood," Hawkins said. “My family is always giving. If you ask us for something, you're probably going to get it because we know our source comes from God. Whatever we have, you can have."
The Nora Lee Walker Foundation partnered with the Order of Eastern Stars Olympic Chapter #2 for this year's event. Donations also came from local organizations, including the Tacoma Police Department (TPD), the Toy Rescue Mission, and a Starbucks store located at 17th and Pacific.
TPD assisted in getting meals to the unhoused. More than 200 meals were served this Thanksgiving.