PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from Nov. 22, 2022.
Organizations across Central Pennsylvania are preparing holiday meals to feed those in need this Thanksgiving.
Here's a list of some of the organizations providing meals to the community on and around Turkey Day.
If you don't see your organization on this list and would like it added, please send an email with the details to news@fox43.com.
Cumberland County
Carlisle
The church will offer a free Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Otterbein can be found at 647 Forge Road in Carlisle.
Lemoyne
JFT will host a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 23 from 2 - 6 p.m. The event will be held at 300 Market St. in Lemoyne; for more information, contact Jan at 717-379-7577. Sides and desserts are welcome.
Mechanicsburg
On Thanksgiving Day, the church will invite the community to a free meal. The dinner will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Upper Fellowship Hall of the church, which is located at 300 East Simpson Street in Mechanicsburg. MPC is also looking for donations and volunteers to facilitate the meal. Donations can be cash; apple, pumpkin or cherry pies; or chocolate or yellow cake. To volunteer for set-up, clean-up or to be a helping hand during the meal, contact the church office at 717-697-0351 or email Angela Weir at aweir@mechpresby.org. Sign-up sheets are also available in the Gathering Area.
Dauphin County
Harrisburg
All You Can Inc. will celebrate Thanksgiving on Monday, Nov. 20 from 3 - 5 p.m. with hot meals distributed free of charge. Those interested in attending are not required to register; simply show up at the bus station on 2nd and Market Streets for your meal while supplies lasts.
A Thanksgiving dinner will be held at the Men’s Shelter, located at 611 Reily Street in Harrisburg, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. The menu will feature turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, carrots, various desserts, beverages and more.
Franklin County
Chambersburg
Those in need can enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner at New Guilford BIC Church, located at 1575 Mont Alto Rd. in Chambersburg, on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Anyone interested in receiving the meal as pick-up or delivery (for those who live within 5 miles of the church) is asked to register online no later than 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The meal is free for all, but donations are accepted. Dinner is first come, first served while supplies last.
Waynesboro
Those in the Waynesboro Area School District or Greencastle Area School District who are alone for the holiday or unable to prepare their own meal are invited to sign up for Waynesboro Community and Human Services' Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution. Participation is based on income; those who sign up will need to complete a self-declaration of need. Sign-ups close at midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 15; meals will be distributed curbside from 10 a.m. - noon on Friday, Nov. 17 at 123 Walnut Street in Waynesboro.
Juniata County
Mifflintown
These organizations are joining forces to distribute Thanksgiving meal fixings to families in need. In order to receive a meal kit, everyone must present some form of identification. People who have not patronized the food pantry in the last 12 months will also need to provide current proof of Juniata County residency and sign an income eligibility form at the distribution. Those interested can pick up meal boxes from 10 a.m. - noon at the River Church Parking lot (CJEMS/Senior Center) north of Mifflintown on Route 35.
Lancaster County
Lancaster
Guests interested in attending the church's free community meal on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. must register in advance by calling 77-295-9431 ext. 216. The meal will be served at Bright Side Baptist Church, located at 515 Hershey Avenue in Lancaster.
State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and his staff will be giving out free turkeys and sharing information and answering attendees’ questions about state programs and services at the Crispus Attucks Community Center's regular food distribution on Nov. 22 from 2 - 6 p.m. The distribution will take place at 407 Howard Ave. in Lancaster.
“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I am so grateful that I am part of such an amazing community,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I want to make sure that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, so I am very grateful that our generous community partners have made our turkey giveaway possible. I hope everyone can come out and have a great time at our Thanksgiving Resource Event.”
Thanksgiving food boxes will be distributed at the Mission's Outreach Center, located at 210 South Prince Street in Lancaster, on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. - noon.
Mount Joy
Those in need can pick up a meal at The Gathering Place, located at 6 Pine St. in Mount Joy, between 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Nov. 23.
Lebanon County
Lebanon
Those in need can enjoy a hot Thanksgiving meal from noon - 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 from Lebanon Rescue Mission, located at 1223 Bittner Blvd. in Lebanon.
York County
Red Lion
The church will host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Those with nowhere to go on Thanksgiving are invited to Hearts for Hunger's free meal, which includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and sides. Dinner will be served from 1 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 23, followed by coffee, desserts, games, puzzles and more, the organization said. Interested participants can register here or contact Selina at 717-676-0507 or SRobinson0514@gmail.com. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged. The dinner will be held at 10384 Winterstown Road in Red Lion.
York
The church will cook a free community dinner the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18. The meal will be served from 1 - 3:30 p.m. and include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, applesauce, a roll and assorted desserts. Guests can enter the sanctuary near Market Street and pick up winter gear (coats and hats), then wait to be lead into the fellowship hall for their meal. The church is located at 225 East Market Street in York.
The construction company will host its fourth annual 21 Turkey Salute on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. The community is invited to come out and share a warm meal at the block party hosted by Union Lutheran, 24 S. Penn St., York.
Families in need can sign up to receive a turkey dinner with all the trimmings from York Giving. The organization serves York City and surrounding towns. Those interested can register online and will receive a postcard in the mail after Nov. 8. You must bring the postcard to pickup. Dinners can be picked up at the York Expo Center - Memorial Hall West from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 18.