SACRAMENTO – While the weather is considerably colder these days, spirits are being warmed by the generosity that comes along with the holiday season.
Groups and organizations throughout the city are gearing up to help those in need for Thanksgiving. The following is a brief list of opportunities for locals to give help and to receive it.
Tuesday, November 20, 11:00 a.m.— Loaves and Fishes will serve 1,000 people, mostly homeless, a Thanksgiving meal. Organizers are also looking for donations of turkeys, potatoes, string beans, dry dressing mix, gallons of apple juice, and more. For more information, call (916) 446-0874.
Wednesday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Shiloh Baptist Church hosts its Ninth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Coat and Blanket Give-Away at the Oak Park Community Center, located at 3425 Martin Luther King, Blvd. The church will provide food, coats and blankets to those in need in the Oak Park community. The church also welcomes donations of coats and blankets that are new or gently used. For more information on how to donate to this effort, contact Verna Kelly at (916) 813-0529 or Shila Kelly at (916) 448-7851.
Thursday, November 22, 8:35 a.m. — The annual Run to Feed The Hungry has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Sacramento, with locals starting the day off by raising money to feed the needy. The event, in its 19th year, raises money for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The 10K run and 5 k walk starts at the J street entrance to Sac State University and winds its way through the streets of East Sacramento. Advance registration is $35 for individuals, $50 for group members and $20 for kids. Cost for individuals on race day increases to $40. For more information, call (916) 313-7654 or visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com.
Thursday, November 22, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. — Sacramento Valley Thanksgiving to the Streets will be held at the Fremont Presbyterian Church, located at 5770 Carlson Drive. The free event includes Thanksgiving dinner, live jazz music, bounce houses, and more for students, families, individuals, seniors and all who wish to attend. Cost: “a warm smile and some love and kindness to share with others.” Donations welcome and needed: desserts, new socks, knit gloves, hats, and scarves, new and comfortably used clean blankets and novelty gifts for raffles prizes. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, contact Julie Ann at (916) 212-9044.
Friday, November 23, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—Fairytale Town is offering free admission to families who donate canned food items to the Holiday Spirit of Giving Food Drive. The food drive benefits the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The day also includes free arts and crafts activities. Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive. For more information, call (916) 808-7462.