By Barb Pert Templeton
For those looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast this Thursday, there are several local organizations and a restaurant ready to offer free meals on the holiday.
· The Salvation Army of St. Clair County, located in Port Huron, will host their free Thanksgiving Day meal service from noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 27. Major Jenny Ortman said offering dinner to the public is an annual event and it’s a full traditional turkey dinner catered to the center by the Goodfellows in Kimball Township. No reservations are required guests can just drop-in and carry outs are available after 1:30 p.m. Ortman said they aren’t able to provide transportation to the center but they welcomed 450 diners last year so it’s a popular option for many in the community. The Port Huron Salvation Army is located at 2000 Court Street. For more information call (810)984-2679.
· The Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC), also in Port Huron, will offer free turkey dinners from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27. A traditional Thanksgiving meal will be served with all the items donated by members of the community. Since space is limited, organizers appreciate diners making reservations by Wednesday so they can accommodate everyone. To make a reservation call (810)689-4858. The center is located at 617 10th Street in the city.
Two locations of Jillian’s Coney Island Grille, one in Kimball and one in Chesterfield Township, will serve up turkey or ham dinners from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
· Two locations of Jillian’s Coney Island and Grille, one in Kimball and one in Chesterfield Township will serve free Thanksgiving Day meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese or guests can swap the turkey for ham and enjoy all the same sides. All served with a beverage but the free meals are dine-in only. Organizers are hoping for a large turnout for the free dinners simply because so many families are need right now. Jillian’s North is located at 1669 Range Road in Kimball and can be contacted by calling (810)364-1199. The Chesterfield location is located at 50800 Gratiot Avenue and the phone number is (586)598-5903.
· The Senior Nutrition Program, in cooperation with the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and many dedicated volunteers, distribute meals on Thanksgiving, according to their website. The menu includes traditional holiday fare and the holiday meals are prepared by staff, packaged for pickup, and delivered countywide by volunteers. To receive a meal, the recipient must be 60 years of age or older, home alone, and a St. Clair County resident. To reserve a holiday meal, or to sign up as a volunteer, please call the Senior Nutrition program office at (810) 982-4400.
