Thanksgiving doesn’t happen on its own. This holiday of grace and gratefulness requires people to cook the turkey, people to eat the feast and plenty of thanks and goodwill to lift spirits.
Pumpkin pies, pecan pies and sweet potato pies sweeten the deal.
The time to plan is now and you can help. Community Thanksgiving dinners are in the works and some groups could use a helping hand.
Here’s what we know about so far. If your group is planning a meal or food giveaway send details to news@tallahassee.com.
Community Thanksgiving Tallahassee
Premier Homes and several other Tallahassee groups and business come together from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, to provided a traditional Thanksgiving meal at the American Legion, 229 Lake Ella Drive in Tallahassee.
Those in the Tallahassee community that may be alone, away from home, or would like to come together and share a Thanksgiving dinner are welcome to attend. Started in 1984 as a hot meal to those experiencing homelessness, the Tallahassee Thanksgiving Celebration has served thousands of people over the years.
There will be coffee and Danish starting at 9 a.m. as well as musical entertainment. There are enough volunteers for Thanksgiving Day, but organizers could use help for the following:
Tuesday, Nov. 26: 2-5 p.m., Prepare cranberry relish
Wednesday, Nov. 27: 9-11 a.m., Pick up mashed potatoes and gravy from Hope; 9-11 a.m., Pick up green bean casserole & stuffing from Keiser University; noon-1 p.m., Pick up tea/lemonade from Publix; noon-2 p.m., Deliver supplies to the American Legion.
To volunteer, contact Cheryl Firse at 850-510-8703 or email cfirse@sandcofl.com.
Project Annie
This might be the last Project Annie meal for Annie Johnson, who has been serving her community dinners since 1998. This year’s Thanksgiving dinner will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at Project Annie Headquarters at 625 W. Fourth Ave. Johnson said she agreed to do Thanksgiving but is not planning a Christmas dinner this year.
This will be Johnson’s 26th year of cooking and serving a Thanksgiving dinner for thousands of people in the Frenchtown neighborhood and she needs volunteers to help with preparation and serving. Food will be dine-in or takeout.
She still needs volunteers and donations of food, money and supplies to help pull off the meal. Here are a few things still needed: rolls, sweet potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, soft drinks, as well as paper plates, napkins and cups and more. Donations are accepted at Project Annie. Learn about additional needs or sign up to volunteer by calling 850-222-6133.
Salvation Army
Every year The Salvation Army of Tallahassee, 2410 Allen Road, hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner for families and individuals in need of a hot, home-cooked meal or fellowship on the day before Thanksgiving, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Salvation Army is looking for volunteers who are willing to spend some time setting up and preparing food. No experience is necessary. Volunteers can contact Brittany Christie at 850-222-0304, x 109 to sign up. Email Brittany.Christie@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Friendsgiving at The Sound Bar
Our friends at The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St., are bringing the community together for a special Friendsgiving celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.
The little music venue that could, which just celebrated its first anniversary, wants to celebrate togetherness this Thanksgiving. Whether you have no family nearby, or you’re choosing not to travel this year, the Sound Bar family welcomes you with open arms to gather in friendship.
It’s potluck style — so if you’ve got a famous dish you’re proud of, they’d love for you to bring it and share with the community. But don’t worry if you can’t — there will be plenty to go around.
It looks to be an evening filled with good food, great music, and even better company. Learn more at thesoundbartallahassee.com.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church at Dawkins Pond will be giving away free Thanksgiving dinners on Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Walker Ford Community Center, 2301 Pasco St.
10th Annual Thanksgiving Drive
The 10th Annual Thanksgiving Drive commemorating the passing of Tallahassee Sheriff Larry Campbell will take place at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, on the Florida State University campus. 350 turkeys, plus all the trimmings, will be distributed at the Student Service Building, 874 Tradition Way. Florida A&M University’s Dr. Gwen Singleton will narrate the presentations. FSU Vice President Dr. Brandon Bowden has made the campus arrangements. The event was founded by Ray Bellamy. For additional information, contact Bellamy at 850-694-9495 or 850-296-4511 or Tish Tepper at 305-496-4836.
Second Harvest Thanksgiving giveaways
Second Harvest will be serving frozen Turkeys, dry holiday goods and fresh produce that will allow neighbors to have a complete traditional Thanksgiving meal! Each distribution will serve 1,000 families- first come first served!!• Leon County: 7 a.m.-until food runs out, Saturday, Nov. 23, Govenors Square Mall- Old Sears Parking Lot, 1500 Apalachee Pkwy.
• Taylor County: 2 p.m. until food runs out, Monday, Nov. 25, West Fraser Perry Mill, 1509 S Byron Butler PKWY Perry, L 32348
• Suwannee County: 2 p.m. until food runs out, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 911 Pinewood Drive SW Live Oak, FL 32064.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Is your group having a Thanksgiving meal or event? Send details to news@tallahassee.com.