Thanksgiving meal for all: Tables set in Hood River, Cascade Locks

Doors will be open from noon to 4 p.m. at Riverside Community Church on Fourth and State streets in Hood River. In addition, this year the meal is expanding to Cascade Locks, noon to 2 p.m. in the Port Pavilion.

HELP NOTES

See page B5 for how to sign up for the Christmas Project to assist local residents, and how to help.

Hood River Warming Shelter is now operating nightly, 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Riverside Church, Fourth and State; beds and hot meals are available to anyone needing it.

(hoodrivercares.org)

“The Thanksgiving meal is open to all in our community, from singles to entire families. We will serve a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, veggies, salads and pies. There will also be vegan meals available,” said co-organizer Debby Chenoweth.

The meal is free, but donations to cover part of the expense will be accepted. A total of 30 turkeys, with all the trimmings, have been donated. Monday and Tuesday were busy days for meal preparation at the certified commercial kitchen at FISH food bank headquarters. Food for 500 or so people will be hot and ready to go.

“Thanks to a large number of people who volunteered time and talent and to businesses who provided all the food, the previous Community Thanksgiving meals have been a huge success.” Chenoweth said.

“Last year, we served over 350 meals in the Pioneer Room at Riverside. In addition, we delivered meals to people who could not travel to the event and we delivered trays of hot food to the Warming Shelter,” said co-organizer Gean Rains.

HOW TO HELP

If you know of anyone who would appreciate a home-delivered Thanksgiving meal, call Chenoweth at chenowethd@gmail.com 541-399-2384; drivers are ready to make deliveries in Hood River, Cascade Locks, Bingen, and White Salmon.

Once again, Romul’s has donated the turkeys, Rosauer’s has filled the shopping cart, Providence has made a cash donation, and other businesses in the area are providing items to complete the meal. This year, graduates of the Fresh Start Culinary Arts Program are working with local chefs to prepare the meal.