The spirit of giving and generosity will be felt across Tucson as the Thanksgiving holiday rolls near and organizations offer free Thanksgiving meals for the community.
For the 23rd year, the Salvation Army and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Fort Lowell Road, are working together to serve meals.
Last year, they served about 3,500 meals, including home delivered meals to the elderly and ill.
“We are anticipating more families and working poor,” said Tamara McElwee, public relations director for the Salvation Army.
The dinner will be served on Thanksgiving Day starting at 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After 1:30, they will offer hot meals to go.
The Salvation Army always welcomes donations. They are in need of frozen turkeys and pies. To donate, call their main office at 795-9671.
A day before Thanksgiving, the Gospel Rescue Mission will provide a Thanksgiving meal.
It starts at 11 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. at 312 W. 28th St.
The Giving Tree Outreach Program offers hot meals every Thursday and Sunday.
Thanksgiving dinner will be held at 3:30 p.m, in a lot at East 22nd Street between Columbus Boulevard and Swan Road.
“The meal is open to everyone and we could always use help from people bringing prepared food,” said Kathy Fast, assistant director for Giving Tree Outreach Program.
On Nov. 25, the Luz Social Services along with the South Side Coalition and El Pueblo Neighborhood Center are sponsoring the 11th annual Thanksgiving in the Barrio, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 101 W. Irvington Road, anyone is welcome.
In addition, to serving dinner, there will be live entertainment, a resource fair, a raffle and a fun zone for children.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish is also having a Thanksgiving Day dinner at 2 p.m. for the homeless at 507 W. 29th St.
