Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate being together with friends and family. However, the holiday season can also bring struggles. Putting together an entire turkey meal is expensive and laborious. Some don’t have the time to cook a meal. Many don’t have the finances to afford it.
We may find ourselves in a different place in life we didn’t expect. We may need help. Or maybe you find your heart wanting to help. If you need assistance or wanting to give back in some way, our Dallas community has a plethora of opportunities for helping hands.
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Seek Help
There is no shame in asking for assistance, especially during the holidays. No matter who you are, it’s an expensive time of year! For families who need a Thanksgiving meal, here are some local organizations to contact:
AXE Memorial United Church :: Garland :: The church will be serving Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, November 23 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Please contact its offices for registration information.
Dallas LIFE Turkey Fry :: downtown Dallas :: For nine years running, Dallas LIFE will once again fry 100 turkeys outside in its parking lot on Cadiz Street for the unhoused on Monday, November 25 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Thanks to generous donations, volunteers will also be handing out Thanksgiving food baskets along with the turkeys.
New this year will be its first ever concert the night before celebrating the kickoff of this annual event. Volunteers are needed to help with frying turkeys and assembling Thanksgiving baskets.
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Life Message :: Rowlett :: Based in Rowlett, Life Message offers regular food assistance to those in need, Monday through Friday (not Tuesday), with a valid ID. Thanksgiving day it will be offering food boxes and turkeys at its location.
If you are able to provide food assistance, Life Message is accepting food boxes from donors filled with turkeys, boxed stuffing, canned veggies, pie filling, and pie crusts by November 15.
MLK Basket Giveaway :: Dallas :: Starting November 7, Dallas families can register for one basket per family at this drive-thru event on Saturday, November 23. Arrive by car to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center at 10:00 a.m.
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Operation Turkey :: Dallas :: Families can register on the website to receive a free Thanksgiving meal delivered on Thanksgiving day between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Its goal this year is to provide 65,000 meals. Register now to receive a Thanksgiving day meal. Registration closes when all meal plates have been claimed via registration, or when registration closes on Friday, November 22; whichever occurs first.
If you would like to volunteer for one of Operation Turkey’s many preparation days and Thanksgiving day needs, sign up here.
Norma’s Cafe :: Oak Cliff :: For nearly 40 years, Norma’s has opened its doors on Thanksgiving day for those less fortunate. Guests are welcome to line up as early as they like. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Serving goes until 1:00 p.m. Dinner will include roasted turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The meal is served with a drink of choice and a slice of pumpkin pie.
North Texas Food Bank :: South Dallas :: The North Texas Food Bank will distribute a holiday turkey and approximately 60 pounds of food to families in need. This event will take place on the UNT Dallas campus on Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or until supplies last.
Rockwall Helping Hands :: Rockwall :: Anyone in need of a Thanksgiving meal can register at its offices in Rockwall starting October 28.
Food donations for these Thanksgiving meals can be delivered to the Helping Hands Food Pantry by Tuesday, November 19.
Thanksgiving Dinner :: Grand Prairie :: This event is specifically for Grand Prairie residents. It requires registration. The meal is served Thursday, November 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Charley Taylor Recreation Center.
The Statler :: Dallas :: On Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., The Statler is serving Thanksgiving for Your Service dinner to first responders, firefighters, police offers, veterans, and their families. Registration in advance is required. Complimentary valet is included.
