Community reaches out with Thanksgiving meals
Anyone looking for a place to enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner this holiday season has a variety of options and days to choose from thanks to the generosity of multiple groups and organizations in Hot Springs.
Exhilarated Outreach Ministries will host a dinner for the “homeless and less fortunate” from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at Jackson House, 705 Malvern Ave.
“We here at Exhilarated Outreach, we strive for excellence in meeting the needs of the community,” a release said.
“As we all know in these winter times the days are getting shorter and colder, and it’s hard keeping warm for those without the means to procure the necessary items. So to all those willing and wanting to donate coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, and all type of winter wear we encourage you to please do so,” it said.
All donations can be dropped off at the Jackson House today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The release stressed that while Exhilarated Ministries is providing Thanksgiving meals today, Jackson House still provides meals every day from noon to 1:30 p.m., including Thanksgiving Day.
“We would also like to thank other groups who have lent a helping hand such as Promise Land and Sisters of Service. We humbly thank you both for your help and generosity,” it said.
Also offering a Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today is Woodridge Street Church of Christ, 133 Woodridge St. All are welcome, a release said.
On Wednesday, The Salvation Army of Hot Springs will host its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 5 to 6 p.m. at 115 Crescent Ave. Volunteers are still needed to help serve during the event.
“Volunteers are critical partners in helping us fulfill our promise of ‘Doing the Most
Good,’” especially during the holiday season, a news release said.
“If you have never volunteered with The Salvation Army before, come and give it a try. Be a part of something special by helping make a difference in the lives of so many this holiday season, and all year round,” said Captain Bradley Hargis, commanding officer. Call 501-6231628 or email Bradley.hargis@ uss.salvationarmy.org for more information.
Also on Wednesday, from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Living Waters Church of God in Christ, 306 Grove St., will host a free community Thanksgiving dinner, presented by the Malvern District Mission Department.
On Thanksgiving Day, two churches are offering free meals to the community.
The 12th Annual “A Thanksgiving to Share” will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Historic Visitors Chapel AME Church, 319 Church St. Dine in or call 501623-2975 for meals delivered that day. For more information or to pre-schedule deliveries before Thanksgiving Day, call
501-655-6498.
The event is sponsored by Janice Davis and the Community Helpers at LakePointe Church and Historic Visitors Chapel AME Church.
Also, First Presbyterian Church will offer a free Community Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
The traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with all the fixings, will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 213 Whittington Ave. Any leftovers will be distributed to take home at 1 p.m., a release said.
On Friday, Samaritan Ministries, 131 Sanford St., will serve a Thanksgiving meal from noon to 1 p.m. and The Salvation Army will serve its regular meal from 5 to 6 p.m. at 115 Crescent Ave.