COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 23, and while it is surely a time to reflect and give thanks, it is also time to remember there are those in the Midlands who do not have the resources to put a complete Thanksgiving meal on the table.
With that in mind, some local churches and businesses are offering free turkey giveaways in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Here is a list of the giveaways:
TUESDAY, November 21
- The Stanley Law Group is organizing a drive-thru Turkey Giveaway at Toliver’s Mane Event Barbershop located at 6102 N. Main St., Columbia, SC 29203 at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023. One turkey will be provided per vehicle, and all attendees are encouraged to stay in their vehicles.
- Victory Promotions’ 16th Annual Turkey Giveaway, 5-8 p.m. at Space 803 @ 2732 Decker Blvd. Limit one turkey per family.
WEDNESDAY, November 22
- Mothers Against Gun Violence will be donating Thanksgiving dinners to the homeless 2-5 p.m. at the Orangeburg County Library, 1645 Russell St., Orangeburg. Dinners available first come, first served, until supply runs out.
THANKSGIVING DAY, November 23
- The Basilica of Saint Peter's annual free Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner noon-2 p.m. at 1529 Assembly St. The public can adopt a turkey -- $10 for a 10 pound turkey -- for the free meal by making a check payable to St. Vincent dePaul Society, Attn: Hal Lominick, PO Box 1896, Columbia, SC 29202. Before volunteers begin serving the free Thanksgiving Day meal at The Basilica of Saint Peter, they will have boxed and delivered 800 meals to 15 assisted living locations in the Columbia area.
- Edith General Annual Thanksgiving Dinner 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Chappelle Memorial AME, 1101 Pine St., Columbia
GIVE FOOD
If you are in the position to donate food items this holiday season, give to local food banks or volunteer organizations hosting food drives. Remember that items should be non-perishable and easy to use -- such as pop-top cans of soups, canned meats and vegetables; powdered or shelf-stable (ultra-pasteurized) milk; cereals, chewy granola or cereal bars, boxed raisins or other dried fruit, fruit cups or applesauce; peanut butter and jelly, powdered or shelf-stable milk, juice boxes, bottled water.
- You can donate to Harvest Hope Food Bank at any time. Whether you want to organize your own food drive or purchase items from Harvest Hope's Amazon Wish List, you will be helping your neighbors in need. Harvest Hope accepts food donations 8am-3pm Monday through Thursday and 8am-1pm on Fridays at its location in Columbia, 2220 Shop Rd.
- Oliver Gospel Mission accepts monetary donations so that the organization can continue to feed those in need. For just under $50, Oliver Gospel Mission can provide 23 meals a month, counseling and shelter for a struggling neighbor.
