How the holiday spirit went to the heart of this Cortez fisherman

There is a simple truth in life: Nothing is ever accomplished without the willingness to try. A Cortez fishing captain has taken a first step in finding a new way to spread holiday cheer.

Lance “Crusty” Plowman, of Cortez Deep Sea Fishing, spends a lot of time on the water. It’s where he makes his living — and where he finds his inspiration.

“I was riding out on the boat one day and was thinking about how I could do something different to help people,” Plowman said. “A couple of years ago I posted it on Facebook and it’s just kind of progressed each year.”

There are places to get a holiday meal for people in need — and this time of year, with the many turkey dinner giveaways in the community, it’s hard to imagine anyone going without. But there are, and Plowman offers them a different kind of opportunity to make sure a holiday meal happens for them.

“It’s not a huge thing,” Plowman said.

But it could be a huge thing, if the second part of Plowman’s goal is accomplished. And that is to use social media to get others to do the same.

Last year, Plowman paid for a family to get a full Thanksgiving dinner from Boston Market —and then bought the family’s Christmas tree. Sometimes, he takes them to dinner. Or just gives them a much-needed ride to the store to get what they need.

The beauty of Plowman’s actions isn’t just what he does during the holiday season — it’s the hope that others will do the same.

“A lot of people have reached out to me that want to do it,” Plowman said. “That’s why I ask for everyone to share the post so that people will do it on their own wherever they are from.”

Like the Chinese proverb states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

That small step Plowman took two years ago is growing into a social media cause.

He posted on Nov. 21: “If there’s any of my Facebook friends out there that are for whatever reason struggling to put together a Thanksgiving dinner, please send me a private message. I will meet you at a local grocery store and get you everything you need to put on a nice Thanksgiving for you and your family. Completely private. No one will know except you and me.

“Stay happy and humble friends.”

It’s a simple act of kindness in a world that can often be hostile, and why a kind gesture, especially around the holidays, can make a difference in someone’s life.

Not only in someone else’s life, but in the giver’s life, as well.

“I’ve never really liked the holidays,” Plowman said. “For me, doing this kind of fulfills my holidays to help other people. The holidays have never been a thing, but now I look forward to them. It’s not a huge thing, but like I said, friends who share it are helping a lot of other people, too.”

More than 300 reactions and 81 comments followed, with Sandy Ehle writing: “What a beautiful thing to offer.” Others offered cash and food to the cause.

Gayden Shell told the Bradenton Herald that Plowman is a “great example of a true Christian.”

She went on to comment on Plowman’s post as well, writing a donation offer and saying, “You are so kind Lance.”

New ideas began circulating to do a Thanksgiving fish fry next year.

If that’s a first step, imagine what the second step will be. And that’s exactly what Plowman wanted to happen.

Plowman said he typically hears of someone in need through his friends, but wants to hear from anyone in need. Visit his Facebook page and send him a message.

“If you need help, let me know,” he said.