As we prepare to give thanks, it’s important to remember that not everyone has the resources to enjoy a turkey dinner, or people to share it with.
Here are some places where you can enjoy a communal meal.
St. John’s Breadline
Run by the Catholic Charity Diocese of Springfield, the bread line serves breakfast and lunch daily to those in need. Guests receive special meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and these are served while seated, rather than in the usual cafeteria style.
Only one meal is served on Thanksgiving Day, which is served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is not necessary. St. John’s Breadline is located at 430 N. Fifth St.
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Holy Family Food Bank
The pantry is also run by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield and donates non-perishable or frozen items that individuals can receive once a month.
Although the pantry is delivering Thanksgiving food to customers, they are overcrowded. However, people can sign up for the Christmas food box if they have not received the Thanksgiving box.
The pantry offers twice as much food as normal in November and December, so they let their customers choose which month or holiday they would like to receive food.
To register, go to the organization’s office at 120 S. 11e St. on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon with photo ID.
Central Food Bank of Illinois
While supplies last, the food bank will distribute Thanksgiving meal boxes at 1937 E. Cook St. on Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. The start time may change depending on the length of the line.
The ramp begins at the intersection of McCreery Avenue and Edwards Street. Organizers ask participants to free up space in their back seats or trunks. There are a maximum of two boxes per vehicle. Guests can also walk up without a vehicle.
No registration or ID is required.
Central Baptist Church
Central Baptist Church, 501 S. Fourth St., will once again host its Feast of Plenty, a traditional Thanksgiving meal, in the church’s Merriam Hall on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 1:30 p.m.
To pick up or have meals delivered, please contact the church office at 217-523-3639 before Wednesday afternoon.
For more information, please visit the church’s website.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news, along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in State Journal-Register: Food banks in Springfield to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner
