The season of giving is upon us, and these local community members are stepping up!
Whether it’s handing out free produce or hosting free events, these local organizations and restaurants are making sure Tucsonans in need have access to a warm, delicious Thanksgiving meal.Ìý
Below is a list of events that will provide free turkey dinners and other resources to people in need. (Plus a few different holiday drives in case you are looking to help out this season.)
Thanks and Giving Festival
At Arizona Bilingual Newspaper’s annual event, they will be giving away 1,000 gift cards for Thanksgiving meals and turkeys. Along with the turkeys, this event will also have live entertainment and other fun family activities.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23
Where: El Pueblo Neighborhood Center,
Visit their for more information.
Lerner & Rowe’s Thanksgiving Meals Giveaway
Lerner and Rowe will be giving away 800 Thanksgiving meal packages that include goodies to help make your traditional holiday meal at home. Families are asked to park and walk up to the volunteers in order to receive their packages, as well as free swag items and snacks. The meal packages and other items will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When: 4 p.m. until supplies last Wednesday Nov. 12
Where: Tucson Convention Center, Ìý
Visit their for more information.
Thanksgiving BlessingsÌý
For over 30 years, the Gospel Rescue Mission has made sure everyone has access to a warm, Thanksgiving meal. At their annual Thanksgiving event, you’ll be able to enjoy a free traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The event will also feature resource bags, clothing, haircuts, live music and face painting.Ìý
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26
Where: Center of Opportunity,
Visit their for more information.
Interfaith Community Services
You can’t have a turkey dinner without the sides! Through May, Interfaith Community Services Mobile Food Bank will be providing free produce to those in need at various locations around town.
Visit their to check out their schedule.
Annual Thanksgiving Community Meal
For decades, the Salvation Army and hundreds of volunteers have come together to cook traditional turkey dinners for the community. They are continuing the tradition this year, offering a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal that comes with all the classic holiday sides.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27
Where: The Salvation Army Hospitality House,
See the flyer to the right for more information.Ìý
Kingfisher
Though they will be closed for regular business, Kingfisher will still be serving Thanksgiving meals for anyone in need, including furloughed federal workers and their families, military service members, those affected by SNAP benefits and anyone looking for a hot meal.
When: 2 p.m. until they run out Thursday, Nov. 27
Where: Kingfisher,
Visit their for more information.Ìý
Project ThanksgivingÌý
Zion City is giving away 1,500 free Thanksgiving meals at their various locations to those who reserve one on their website.Ìý
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
Where: Zion City Flowing Wells, .; Zion City Oro Valley, .; Zion City Santa Cruz,
Visit their for more information and to reserve your meal.Ìý
Community-Giving Thanksgiving Dinner
Janet & Ray’s and the Being Black in Tucson Facebook group are coming together to host a free Thanksgiving meal for anyone who needs help.ÌýYou can also volunteer for the event or donate a turkey!
Make sure to reserve your spot at the event by calling or texting 520-241-2328.Ìý
If you are looking to donate food for the event, drop off hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 12-6 p.m.
When: 11- a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27
Where: Janet & Rays, Ìý
Visit the for more information.Ìý
Helping out this holiday season
Gwen Scetlar, left, and Zalina Pedrin, right, pack boxes of non-perishable goods inside of the Margaret and George Steele fulfillment area at Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, 3003 S. Country Club Road.
Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive
If you’re looking to help donate this season, you can head to the Holiday Harvest Food Drive put on by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Since Thanksgiving is their busiest day of the year, they will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations so they can get ahead of the rush.
When:Ìý6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where:ÌýSam's Club,Ìý
Check out theirÌýÌýfor more information.
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
The Salvation Army Tucson, along with Vallee Gold Team and Stellar Partners of NOVA Home Loans, are hosting the ultimate turkey drive. Community members are encouraged to stop by and drop off a frozen turkey, which goes directly to helping the Salvation Army prepare for their Thanksgiving dinner.Ìý
Look for their turkey truck outside to drop off your donations!
When:Ìý9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where:ÌýNOVA Home Loans,
You Dough Girls
If you preorder any Thanksgiving meals or goodies from You Dough Girls, you'll be directly helping to buy turkeys and Thanksgiving meals that they will be giving out in the community.Ìý
Visit their or to learn more about placing a pre-order.Ìý
Coaches for Charity
Coaches for Charity has teamed up with Chef John Hohn of GAP Ministries to help give out free Thanksgiving meals to Tucson middle and elementary schools. For $45, you can sponsor a Thanksgiving Box that will help feed one family.Ìý
Visit their for more information.Ìý