Roman McDuffy was buoyant at his good fortune Tuesday afternoon.

McDuffy, who said he’s from Chicago but was in East Chicago looking for work, stopped by the Salvation Army’s East Chicago branch and walked away with a turkey, some canned goods and a baguette from Whole Foods. Then, when he turned the corner off Chicago Avenue, he found the organization was giving out fully cooked containers filled with Thanksgiving food, courtesy of Ameristar Casinos and Pepsi Beverages Co.

He wondered how and where he was going to cook a full turkey, but Capt. Jessica Martinez assured his that wherever he shows up with a turkey, it will be cooked as long as there’s an oven.

“The Master made way that I’m eating good today,” McDuffy said, smiling brightly. “I’m in the land of living good.”

Ameristar provided some 600 pounds of food for more than 300 dinners for Tuesday’s effort, its executive chef, Angela Chinn, said. The dinners that didn’t get picked up would be given out at Wednesday’s lunch.

Martinez, who’s been in East Chicago since July, said she has no doubt the food will not go to waste.

“I’ll put it to you this way: We received a $30,000 grant from a nonprofit for people to catch up on their rent. It was spent in two weeks,” Martinez said as the crowd slowed down. “Actually, we work Monday through Friday, so 15 days.”

But whether it’s food, clothing, rental assistance or whatever else they can provide, Martinez said the Salvation Army always tries its best to help everyone who needs it.

“We prayed with the executive chef when

she and her team got here,” Martinez said. “All of this was very easy, and they were ready to go.”

Chinn, who’s done the last two Ameristar/Salvation Army dinners passing them through the windows because of the pandemic, worked her way up from starting as a busser at the casino to the top cooking spot over the last 14 years. She’s been involved in the dinner countless times, and she’s never had a bad time in the process.

“Getting outside and being able to see others in the community enjoy your food is a great feeling — hearing the thank-yous and seeing the appreciation,” Chinn said. “We love to feed people, and I love seeing people who appreciate what we do in a different way.”

Ameristar Risk and Safety Manager Eddie Spearman was on hand to help Chinn. He said it was an honor to be there.

“(Collaborations like Ameristar’s and the Army’s) should be an expectation of all businesses for their communities — especially big businesses; if it weren’t for the people, no one would be able to operate,” Spearman said.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.