While many will be gathered around dinner tables celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends this week, there are some in the community who won’t have that option.
For those looking to celebrate with the community, here is a list of things to do and places to go for a Thanksgiving meal, as well as information on local food drives for those who wish to donate.
5 Star Realty and Property Management in Soldotna will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner at their office, which is located at 35401 Kenai Spur Highway next to Froso’s Family Dining.
The public is invited to the dinner, and there will be turkey, “all the fixings,” and pie for dessert, according to the event’s description on Facebook.
“If you are homeless, hungry or don’t have anywhere to go, come have a meal with us,” the description reads.
Dinner at 5 Star Realty will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday. Call 907-262-2445 for more information.
College Heights Baptist Church will also be hosting a Thanksgiving Community Potluck on Thursday. From 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., stop by the church at 44440 Kalifornsky Beach Road for a hot meal.
For seniors, the Kenai Senior Center will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner donated and served by Hilcorp employees. The dining room doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and food will be served from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Call the senior center at 907-283-4156 or sign up at their bulletin board to participate. Must be 60 years or older to attend.
On Thanksgiving morning, those with a desire to give back can attend a class at the Yoga Yurt for a cash donation in lieu of their normal fees. The proceeds from the Thanksgiving Food Bank Flow will go towards Safeway’s $10 Pre-filled Holiday Drive Bags, according to the event’s description on Facebook.
“Flow with gratitude; start your Thanksgiving Day with some peace, balance, gratitude, and perhaps a few extra twists,” the description reads. The class will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. The Yoga Yurt is located at 47250 E Poppy Lane off Kalifornsky Beach Road.
The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank is also coordinating a number of food drives with businesses around the peninsula.
Until Dec. 15, for every gallon of fuel purchased at the Essential One gas stations in Seward and Nikiski as well as the Chevron station in Homer, 10 cents will be donated to the food bank.
First National Bank of Alaska is hosting a “Barrel in Every Branch” fundraiser, with the goal of collecting 300 food items or 100 pledges for cash donations by Dec. 15. Stop by any branch to contribute.
Canned food drives will also be taking place at Kenai Peninsula Harley Davidson and Odie’s Deli in Soldotna until Nov. 26. Odie’s will be giving away a free cookie for every three cans donated during this time.
For more information on local food drives, call the Food Bank at 907-262-3111 or visit their website at www.kpbfoodbank.org.
