Man spends Thanksgiving making meals for the homeless

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- On Thursday, many spent Thanksgiving chowing down on turkey and stuffing with family, friends and loved ones. One Tempe man, however, spent it with the homeless, using his skills to cook, so they don't go hungry.

Gilbert Martinez said he's had a tough life growing up. Martinez, who now works as a mechanic and has a home, never wants to forget where he came from. He said he has been through his struggles growing up in a rough neighborhood, even being stabbed when he was just 16. Now, Martinez feeds the homeless community in his neighborhood during the holiday season.

On Thursday, a turkey was frying in peanut oil, complete with cooked veggies, mashed potatoes, bread and pumpkin pie. That's how Martinez connects with the homeless out at a park in Tempe, because he knows what it's like to go through tough times.

The homeless community gathered around the park, thankful for this hot Thanksgiving meal.

"Random people here and there bringing us good food and stuff, it's been really, really good," said one person.

Martinez is approved to hold this holiday meal at the park, so long as he cleans it up afterwards.

"Tempe Police Department, they're aware of me and what I do," said Martinez. "I keep the park, maintain it the way you see it."

As for why he does this, year after year, Martinez said it is to make a difference.

"That's what makes me very happy, to see that they're walking away with a full stomach, happy, and I know people now today that I never met in my whole life," said Martinez.

The event Thursday was a family affair, with Martinez's brother, ex-wife and children all there helping him serve that warm Thanksgiving meal to the homeless. Martinez plans to be back on Christmas.