Days of giving and sharing for families in need
Thanksgiving is a time of giving and remembering those who searched for a new life voyaging to America and those who shared their bounties with those in need. This special time remains today with many sharing their Thanksgiving meals with others and helping those who would otherwise have little to share.
Many organizations, service groups and churches are offering Thanksgiving meals to everyone in need on Thanksgiving and the days leading up to it. Listed below are some of those who are offering either free meals at a table or take-home food baskets with turkeys and all the trimmings for a traditional meal.
A free Thanksgiving turkey is being offered to families in need on Nov. 23 in Hemet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hemet Public Library, 300 E. Latham Avenue. One thousand turkeys are to be given away, made possible through a partnership between Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, SBX Youth & Family Services, Black Voices of the Valley, and Volunteers for Public Services Inc.To ensure that these resources reach those most in need, they ask that attendees register in advance at the Hemet Library. For any questions or more information call 951-653-0960 or email at Jorge.Zavala@asm.ca.gov.
On the same day Nov. 23 from noon to 6 p.m. a “Share the Harvest” turkey dinner is being offered as part of a fall festival at Murrieta Mesa High School, 24801 Monroe Ave. in Murrieta. This event is free to everyone in the community. This outreach is held to help economically challenged individuals and families in the community with entertainment, games, tours and Thanksgiving boxes. For more information, contact Michael Stowe at 951-677-0568, ext. 6303 or at mstowe@murrieta.k12.ca.us or Karen Parris at 951-696-1600, ext. 1022.
In Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Holt Ministries and Centerpoint Church will offer turkey meal giveaways at Wildomar Elks Lodge No. 2591, 33700 Mission Trail, Wildomar, to 1,000 families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 23. The boxes will include a turkey and all the fixings to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for more than one in the comfort of their homes. This event is drive-thru only and traffic control will be on hand. For more information, contact Holt Ministries at 909-921-3513.
Then on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28, free Thanksgiving dinners at Menifee’s Kay Ceniceros Center, 29995 Evans Road, Menifee will be served at two meal times, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There is limited space so reservations are required. Call the center’s front desk at 951-672-9673 for availability. First responders and law enforcement are welcome throughout the day.
Many churches in the Valley will also be serving a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and even some restaurants as well. Check with your local place of worship and area restaurants for any special Thanksgiving dinner offerings on or before Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
