Here's where you can get a helping hand this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of family and friendship, to reflect on gratitude for all that we have.

For some, however, assistance is needed for a hot meal, and the community has stepped up to help.

The St. Joseph County Human Services Commission has released a list of outreach opportunities throughout the area, places where people in need may have a Thanksgiving meal over the next several days.

Tuesday, Nov. 21

Three Rivers Community Kitchen will serve a Thanksgiving dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at Trinity Church Parish Hall, 321 N. Main St., in Three Rivers. There is no cost to attend, although donations will be accepted to help with the cost of the dinner.

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Burr Oak Community Schools will host a Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the school's small gymnasium, 326 E. Eagle St. A $3-per-person donation is suggested to offset the cost of the meal.

Centreville United Methodist Church will host a community soup supper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 305 E. Main St., Centreville.

Burr Oak Missionary Church will serve a Thanksgiving community dinner at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall, 327 N. Third St. All are welcome and there is no charge for the meal.

Thursday, Nov. 23

Smitty's Pizza, 113 E. Chicago St., Bronson, will host a free Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls and dessert. The meal will start at noon and run until food is depleted. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 11 a.m. The meal will be served as a dine-in or carryout. Donations are requested, but not required.

Dawn's Cafe at 105 E. State St. in Colon will offer a meal from noon to 3 p.m. by donation only. Patrons may dine in or carry out.

Constantine American Legion Post 223 will host a free community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 2 p.m. at 65079 U.S. 131 Business North.

Homeless Outreach Practiced Everyday will serve a free Thanksgiving meal from noon to 5 p.m. at Abundant Waters Ministries, 205 W. Main St., in Three Rivers. The meal is open to all, and donations are appreciated but not required.

For those wanting to help, St. Joseph County United Way is collecting food, new or gently used coats, hats, gloves and boots, and new toys for giving out to families in need over the holiday season. Items may be dropped off at the United Way office at 662 E. Main St., in Centreville.

Hygiene items will be collected through Nov. 30, to be distributed to ministries serving the homeless and nearly homeless populations in the county. Items, including deodorant, bar soap, small bottles of liquid body soap, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, combs and brushes may be dropped off in Three Rivers at the First Presbyterian Church or at Hair Designs; in Sturgis at St. John's Episcopal Church, Grace Church or Panache Salon; or in Centreville at Habitat for Humanity or Yoder's Country Market.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Thanksgiving 2023: where to get help