Thanksgiving is a time to be with friends and family and to reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives. Unfortunately, for those who are homeless or who cannot afford a Thanksgiving dinner, this time of year can be quite lonely and stressful. There are many charity events offering Thanksgiving meals during this Thanksgiving 2016 season in order to reach out to those less fortunate, ensuring that they can still enjoy a turkey, pumpkin pie, and all the traditional side dishes just like the rest of us.
Below you will find some of the charities and church groups that are putting together Thanksgiving dinners so that everyone can enjoy themselves this holiday season.
Thanksgiving 2016 Charity & Church Events
The Charleston YWCA in West Virginia recently held their Thanksgiving benefit dinner once again this year, which has now taken on a new name to highlight its 30-year tradition – Foodie Fest.
Event organizer Kirsten Mork explained to local news station WSAZ, “I would just like to increase the awareness for today and let people out in our community know what a wonderful place this is that it is a local. That if you wanted to donate your time, money or expertise, talent it’s right here and it’s all going into our local community.”
Another local non-profit charity in Charleston is also working toward feeding hungry families. CJKB Infinity Sports raises money to in order to send a box of Thanksgiving food to families in need. Last year, the charity helped feed 29 families, and this year their goal is to reach out to 40 families. The boxes come with a turkey, stuffing, rolls, and basically anything else you need to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. This allows families to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in their own home, which can make Thanksgiving that much more special.
In Kansas, the Salina Salvation Army has teamed up with Applebee’s to host a community Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner will be hosted at a local Applebee’s restaurant and run from noon to 2 p.m. The meal will include turkey, potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls, and even pumpkin pie.
In events past, around 1,000 people have shown up and all of the community is invited to attend. Salvation Army manager Roxanne Matous told the Salina Journal, “It’s a community event. It’s a time for families and individuals who may not have families to come together and share the holiday with one another. People come for not just the dinner, but the fellowship in a fun atmosphere at a restaurant like Applebee’s. People are waited on and that’s fun for them.”
In preparation for Grace’s Soup Kitchen at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Cortez, Colorado, volunteers have already begun deboning turkey over the last few weeks. There are currently over 50 volunteers helping with this church event, and coordinators are expecting at least 250 people to take part in this Thanksgiving dinner.
The Church will serve up many traditional Thanksgiving staples including turkey, side dishes, and pumpkin pie, and some volunteers will actually be delivering these meals to persons who are homebound. The event is still looking for more volunteers, so if you have the time, why not head over and help them serve some warm food to people in need.
These are just some of the charity and church events going on around the country this Thanksgiving. If we didn’t mention one in your area, you can always check your local churches or community centers to see what may be in store.
Sources:
Andersen, K., “Annual Thanksgiving dinner benefits local homeless shelter,” WSAZ 3 website, November 13, 2016; http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Annual-Thanksgiving-dinner-benefits-local-homeless-shelter-401030186.html, last accessed November 15, 2016.
Jarvis, J., “Nonprofit hopes to feed 40 families Thanksgiving dinner,” Charleston Gazette-Mail website, November 13, 2016; http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-community/20161113/nonprofit-hopes-to-feed-40-families-thanksgiving-dinner, last accessed November 15, 2016.
Wiley, J., “Annual community Thanksgiving dinner planned,” Salina Journal website, November 11, 2016; http://www.salina.com/news/local/annual-community-thanksgiving-dinner-planned/article_0685d7cf-4431-5c50-8a5a-e4d74989cf98.html, last accessed November 15, 2016.
Alderton, S., “Cortez church prepares for annual Thanksgiving dinner,” The Journal website, November 11, 2016; http://www.the-journal.com/article/20161111/NEWS01/161119976/0/FRONTPAGE/Cortez-church-prepares-for-annual-Thanksgiving-dinner, last accessed November 15, 2016.
