Free Thanksgiving meals to be held across North Central West Virginia

The dinner is open to all members of the community.

“We plan for approximately 200 people, but that can vary. I know this year the need has been greater for everything else, so I would imagine that need [for a holiday meal] is going to be a lot bigger as well,” Administrator Christina Smith said.

Smith said part of the reason for the increase in need may inflation and unemployment.

“A lot of people have lost their jobs, and with the cost of groceries right now and even transportation just to get to the grocery store, their wages aren’t enough to provide an additional meal for a family,” she said.

Along with the in-person meal, delivery may be available for local shut-ins who can RSVP at 304-622-2360 ext 4. RSVP is not required for people dining in, but it is encouraged.

“For people who are shut in or are unable to drive to the dinner, we can deliver the meal to them if they’re in the local area,” Smith said.

The Salvation Army is also asking for help with the dinner.

“We are still seeking volunteers. They can call 304-622-2360 if they are interested in joining us,” Smith said.

Smith hopes that the dinner will be able to provide families with a fun and comfortable feeling as they dine with their neighbors and community members.

“I hope they get a sense of community, a feeling of fellowship and knowing that there are people that care. Hopefully they can get a little bit of that traditional Thanksgiving feeling even though it’s not at home,” she said.

The dinner will be held at the Salvation Army Clarksburg Church & Social Services. RSVP is not required for people dining in, but it is encouraged.

Also in Harrison County, the North View United Methodist Church will host its free community dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.

The nonprofit group Friends Feeding Friends also will hold a Thanksgiving dinner at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at the First United Methodist Church in Clarksburg. The group is preparing to serve 150 meals.

In Upshur County, the South Buckhannon Mission Church will hold its first free Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. Although this is the first year the dinner has been held, the church is hoping to see at least 200 people show up for the event.

“There’s a lot of homelessness in the county, and many people who don’t have loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving with. I think it’s important to make sure that everybody gets to fellowship together and have a meal,” said Brittany Gregory, one of the dinner organizers.

The Upshur County Parish House also will distribute free meal packages during their normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In Marion County, the Fountain of Life Christian Fellowship will host a Thanksgiving homecoming on Sunday, Nov. 26, which will include a fellowship meal for past and current members as well as anyone considering attending. The dinner is expected to start at 11:45 a.m. after the church’s worship service.