Every year organizations across the High Desert host Thanksgiving meals, outreaches and food giveaways.
With the closure of the Victor Valley Rescue Mission, many will pick up or continue carrying the baton of charity to those in need. Some events may include pre-registration, with eligible guests served on a first-come first-served basis. Supplies may also be limited.
Homeless Outreach – Victorville
Friendly Temple Church will host a Homeless Outreach Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov 15 at 16570 E. Street in downtown Victorville. The church will distribute food, snacks, sleeping bags, warm clothing, care packages and toiletries. Health screenings and other resources will be available. The church will also accept canned food, produce and fresh meat.
Turkey Giveaway – Adelanto
Dare U To Be Different Ministries will give out 150 turkeys to church attendees at noon on Nov. 16, at Adelanto Stadium, 12000 Stadium Way in Adelanto.
Great Thanksgiving Banquet
High Desert Second Chance and community partners will host this year’s Great Thanksgiving Banquet from 12 to 2 p.m. on Nov. 19, at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville.
Banquet guests will be treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, dinner rolls, vegetables, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Visitors are asked to register for the banquet by searching for “The Great Thanksgiving Dinner Registration” at form.jotform.com.
Turkey Giveaway – Adelanto
Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County will host its free Annual Turkey Distribution from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 19, at Adelanto Stadium, 12000 Stadium Road in Adelanto. Food boxes and turkeys will be available for up to 600 families. To register, visit facebook.com/CAPSBC.
Intergenerational Dinner
The Hesperia Recreation & Park District will host its “Gather & Give Thanks Intergenerational Dinner” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 20, at Percy Bakker Community Center, 9333 E Avenue in Hesperia. Organizers said the gathering will include delicious dishes, warm smiles, and sweet surprises that celebrate the spirit of the season. They also noted, “Must participate in the activity to receive a complimentary meal.”
Thanksgiving Meal
Church of Restoration will host a Thanksgiving Meal at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 at 14830 Bonanza Road in Victorville. The free event includes a traditional Thanksgiving meal, haircuts, shower stations, music, fellowship, prayer and a gospel message. Bus rides to the church are available from Victorville, with a pickup window of 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds at 14800 7th Street, and Greyhound Bus Station at 16838 D Street. For more information, call 760-955-7799.
Turkey Tailgate
Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services will present its Turkey Tailgate giveaway at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22, at 18522 Outer Highway 18 in Apple Valley. The nonprofit will give away 350 turkeys to eligible low-income families, seniors and veterans. For more information, call 760-247-7930.
Victorville First Assembly Outreach
Victorville First Assembly of God will host its annual Thanksgiving Outreach from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the church campus at 15260 Nisqualli Road in Victorville.
During the outreach, a full Thanksgiving meal will be served. The church will also provide a clothes closet, haircuts, showers, and other necessities.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Barstow Senior Citizens Center invites the public to a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 27, at the center at 555 Melissa Avenue. For more information, call 760-256-5023.
More Thanksgiving events may be added as information becomes available.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Free Thanksgiving meals and outreach events ahead of holiday in the High Desert
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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