Spokane, Washington – Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and COVID has made 2021 an extra challenging year for many. Thankfully there are resources available if you need a little help putting a traditional meal on the table for your family.
There are also many opportunities to volunteer your time or donate to your favorite charity if you are able. It’s always a good idea to call the charity of your choice and ask what’s really needed, and to get the latest COVID safety update. If you volunteer, please consider bringing your own masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.
Here are a few of the many free meals served around town next week:
Jewels Helping Hands will be serving Thanksgiving meals at the usual Blessings Under the Bridge spot downtown, under the freeway, near McClellan Street and Fourth Ave. all day on November 25.
The popular East Central Restaurant, Fresh Soul, 3029 E. Fifth Ave. has 100 meals to go ready at 9 a.m. also on November 25, 2021.
Also on Thanksgiving Day 2021, the Salvation Army puts on its annual dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on campus at 222 W. Indiana Ave. The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help with dinner prep, serving, and clean up. Everyone is asked to bring and wear a mask.
Many senior and community centers, such as Hillyard Senior Center, Corbin Senior Activity Center and Spokane Valley Senior Center, serve lunches and dinners on November 24, 2021 – it’s best to contact your local community center for the latest details.
The Union Gospel Mission Men’s Shelter, 1224 E. Trent Ave., is also serving its Thanksgiving meal on November 24, 2021 from 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The Women’s and Children’s Free Restaurant, 1408 N. Washington St., holds its walk-up or drive-through Thanksgiving meal distribution on November 23, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This distribution is for female adults only.
It’s impossible to make a complete list of Thanksgiving meals – Spokane is a generous city – but it’s not possible to finish this little piece without mentioning Tom’s Turkey Drive. Organized by KREM-TV and popular weatherman Tom Sherry, together with 2nd Harvest Foodbank, the main distribution of free ready to cook meals opens at 7 a.m. on November 23, 2021 at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana Street. This is a drive-through event and meals are distributed until there is nothing left.
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, then there is another Tom’s Turkey Drive meal distribution on November 23, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Harvest, located at 1234 E. Front Ave. This location can also be reached by STA bus.
May your Thanksgiving be a peaceful one.