Thanksgiving food programs go on with COVID-19 changes
George Copeland Jr. | 11/19/2020, 6 p.m.
In the midst of surging cases of COVID-19, various Richmond groups have reworked their community Thanksgiving initiatives to maintain safety as they aid the hungry and others in need during this season.
The Giving Heart, a nonprofit that puts on the annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, is offering carry-out meals and curbside pickup this year instead of its usual sit-down dinner.
To-go meals, along with donated clothes, blankets and other necessities, will be given to visitors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26. Meals are first come, first served, with a limit of two meals per person.
Meanwhile, curbside meals will be available for pickup at specially marked places outside the convention center on Thanksgiving Day at three different times — 11:30 a.m., 12:15 and 1 p.m. — through orders placed on The Giving Heart’s signup on its website, www.thegivingheart.org. Each order will feature a Thanksgiving dinner, dessert and beverage, with meals served in a microwavable container for reheating.
People picking up meals are required to wear masks.
Details: www.thegivingheart.org or (804) 749-4726. Following are other food and fellowship programs for the holiday:
Putting Communities Together Inc. Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Putting Communities Together Inc. is collaborating with Club 533, the Richmond Police Department, the Richmond NAACP, state Delegate Delores L. McQuinn and Richmond City Council President Cynthia Newbille for its annual Thanksgiving Turkey.
The event will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Club 533, 700 E. 3rd St. until the turkey supply is exhausted.
Thanksgiving Hot Meal Drive-Thru
Diversity Richmond, BlackPrideRVA and the Laughing Gull Foundation are collaborating to distribute hot meals 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, in the parking lot of Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. Food will be distributed by order of arrival.
People are asked to stay in their vehicle and only open their windows when it’s their turn to get food to ensure COVID-19 safety guidelines are met.
Details and to volunteer: Luise Farmer at (804) 304-3034, Lacette Cross at (804) 922-6051 or BlackPrideRVA@gmail…
Thanksgiving Baskets for Veterans, Seniors and Families
City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson is leading an effort to distribute Thanksgiving baskets from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 21, in the parking lot of the Military Retirees Club, 2220 Sledd St. Several groups are collaborating in the effort. While organizers have identified all of the people that will receive baskets, they’re still looking for volunteers.
Details: (804) 972-2322.
7th Annual Branch’s Community Thanksgiving
Branch’s Baptist Church, 3400 Broad Rock Blvd., is providing meals for pickup and delivery from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, to various neighborhoods. Donations of food, money and other resources can be dropped off at the church from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Nov. 26.
The church also needs volunteers to help receive and organize donations, prepare food, deliver meals and assist with cleanup.
Details, including a list of acceptable food donations: (804) 276-5000 orwww.facebook.com/Br…"> www.facebook.com/Br… Thanksgiving-2096555873723015/.
Henrico PAL Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Volunteers and donations are needed for the event to take place 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Volunteers are organizing at 8655 Staples Mill Road in Henrico County. To volunteer, email info@henricopal.org.
Details: Henrico PAL, (804) 262-4725 or http://www.henricop…">www.henricopal.org/…
Southside Community Center Turkey Distribution
Richmond City Councilman Michael J. Jones will be distributing 1,000 turkeys from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Southside Community Center, 6255 Old Warwick Road, as part of his 3rd Annual Turkey Giveaway.
While registration for the giveaway ended Nov. 18, those who faced issues trying to register, or who have questions, can call Summer Morris at (804) 456-6514.
