Need a Place to Go on Thanksgiving?
Several Twin Cities organizations are hosting events and providing meals for those who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving (Nov 28, 2013).
Aegis Foundation | North Minneapolis
The Aegis foundation is hosting an event specifically for youth. Bring your photo ID to ARIA at 105 North 1st Street in Minneapolis for a special Thanksgiving meal for homeless youth. The event is free for anyone under age 21.
There will be music, games, free bus tokens, and you can enter to win one of two bikes from Full Cycle Bike Shop. The event goes from 12-5, and meal will be served from 1-3 p.m. Expect some tasty food, as the Executive Chef and his team from HCMC will be preparing the meal.
Minneapolis American Indian Center | South Minneapolis
The Minneapolis American Indian Center is hosting a Powwow and Thanksgiving Feast from 12 to 2 p.m. All are welcome and admission is free. When you’re done with the feast, they can also give you a warm coat if you need one. The MAIC is at 15th and Franklin Ave, Minneapolis.
Union Gospel Mission | St. Paul
During Thanksgiving and throughout the year, Union Gospel Mission serves a hearty meal for people in need. Their annual Thanksgiving dinner this year is from 12 to 1 p.m. in the upstairs chapel of the Men’s campus located at 435 University Ave E. St. Paul. All are welcome.
Marie Sandvik Center | South Minneapolis
Marie Sandvik Center at 1112 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, has a yearly sit-down Thanksgiving dinner with as many as 500 plates of food. This is a Christian organization, so expect a prayer or service.
Cherokee Tavern | West St Paul
Cherokee Tavern will be serving a full Thanksgiving dinner with the help of many volunteers and some generous donations. Located at 886 Smith Ave S. West St. Paul, the restaurant has two meal times, noon or 1:30 pm. But you’ll need a ticket to get in.
Pepitos | South Minneapolis – Permanently Closed
Pepitos Mexican restaurant in Minneapolis (at 48th and Chicago) has a yearly Thanksgiving meal that is free and everyone is welcome. The meal is served from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
St. Matthew Lutheran Church | Columbia Heights
St. Matthew Lutheran Church is hosting their 18th annual Thanksgiving dinner this year. The free meal will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, following their 10 a.m. church service. The event is open to anyone in need of a place to spend the holiday. Located at 41st and Washington St NE, Columbia Heights.
Loaves and Fishes | Minneapolis and St. Paul
Loaves and Fishes has five dining sites across the metro that will be open and serving a Thanksgiving dinner. Times and locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul can be found on their website.
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Here are some more ways you can help the local homeless population this year, including volunteer work at a soup kitchen.
- YouthLink is seeking donations for their annual Thanksgiving party. Contact Krista at 612-252-1280 if you can donate turkeys, potatoes, sweet potatoes, assorted pies and cakes or fruits by Nov. 25th.
- At Open Arms in South Minneapolis, you can sponsor a Thanksgiving meal with a 50-dollar donation. A locally sourced free range turkey will be delivered to someone with a life-threatening illness that makes them unable to shop or cook.
- Union Gospel Mission posts their volunteer needs online for one-time holiday events as well as regular group and individual opportunities. You can easily apply to be a volunteer online or donate $1.96 to provide a Thanksgiving meal to someone in need.
- A donation of $12.50 can secure a Thanksgiving meal for one young person and help fund the event at ARIA organized by the Aegis Foundation.