It’s that time of year when families gather around the table, dress up nicely, host awkward conversations, and eat more than their stomachs can handle.
However, Thanksgiving can be rather expensive, especially with turkey prices on the rise.
Luckily, folks in Tucson care for others in the community and there are a few options for those in need of a helping hand. Some of these events are offering gift cards and others are serving up free meals. Plus, it’s also a great opportunity for people to donate.
11th Annual Thanksgiving Festival
Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3770 S. 16th Ave.
At this event, the Arizona Bilingual Newspaper will be giving away up to 1,000 gift cards. With these donations, folks will be able to a turkey for Thanksgiving. Plus, there’s plenty of fun happening at Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar during the event — food vendors, music, and other entertainment
For more information, follow Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar on Facebook.
Gospel Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving Blessings to Go
Wednesday, November 23 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
4550 S. Palo Verde Rd.
The nonprofit is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Blessings to Go drive-thru and dine-in event. This loving experience invites community members to get Thanksgiving brunch a day before the big holiday. Those attending will also get a resource box while partaking in the event’s entertainment and kid-friendly activities.
Here’s what they still need:
Gospel Rescue Mission is still in need of 200 turkeys, pies, and other non-perishable food items. Also, if you’d like to help out, they’re still looking for more volunteers.
For more information, visit grmtucson.com.
Lerner and Rowe’s 2022 Thanksgiving Meal Giveaways
Saturday, November 19 at noon (while supplies last)
7090 S. Craycroft Rd.
This free drive-thru event is happening at the Manheim Tucson Auto Auction, and the Lerner and Rowe guys will be giving away 1,000 Thanksgiving packages (including goodies to make a traditional holiday meal).
Here’s how it’ll work:
“As the event is non-contact, families are asked to remain in their vehicles and just open their trunk or a side door to allow volunteers to easily place items inside. Please note that only one Thanksgiving meal package will be handed out per vehicle, on a first-come, first-served; while supplies last. No exceptions will be made. We appreciate your understanding in advance.”
For more information, visit lernerandrowe.com.
Salvation Army’s 38th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 24 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1145 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
The Salvation Army is once again hosting a dinner and drive-thru celebration on Thanksgiving Day at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Posted on the Salvation Army’s website is all of the food they’re needing to pull off the event. Plus, volunteers are also needed on Thanksgiving day.
Here’s what they still need:
- Turkeys
- Stuffing
- Instant potatoes
- Canned green beans
- Yams
- Eggs
- Cranberry sauce
- Ready-to-serve rolls
- Assorted pies
- Brown gravy
- Loaves of bread
- Cartons and gallons of milk
- Ready-to-serve pies
- Monetary donations
For more information, visit salvationarmytucson.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
