In a gesture of accommodation and community support, all Las Cruces Senior Centers have announced that they will remain open until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, allowing for a communal lunch before the city shuts down to celebrate Thanksgiving. The rest of the city offices will be observing the onset of the holiday by closing at noon on the same day, according to the City of Las Cruces.
For seniors seeking companionship and a warm meal, the extended hours provide a welcome reprieve from what can often be a lonely time of year, the centers that will stay open include Munson Senior Center at 975 S. Mesquite Street, Eastside Senior Center at 310 N. Tornillo Street, Benavidez Senior Center at 1045 McClure Road, Frank O’Brien Papen Center at 304 Bell Avenue, and Sage Café at 6121 Reynolds Drive, as detailed by the city's official announcement. City staff have committed to being available during these additional hours to ensure participants have the support they need.
This initiative is not just about the meal, but also about the sense of community and support offered to the city's older residents, a demographic that all too often is left on the peripheral vision of society's gaze, especially during festive periods. Families of the seniors, and the seniors themselves, are encouraged to reach out to their local center and utilize these services. The importance of such gatherings cannot be overstated, providing a touchstone of familiarity and social interaction that is essential for the well-being of senior community members.
