GOBBLE UP THESE LOCAL MEALS

Local organizations offer up turkey dinners across the community on Thanksgiving Day

Humboldt County residents without a Thanksgiving meal can find food and community alike at a number of locations offering free turkey dinners.

“We’re entirely open to anyone, no questions asked,” said Michael Cloney, a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Society in Eureka. Cloney and others were busy on Wednesday completing weeklong preparations for Thanksgiving dinner.

The Eureka Rescue Mission began serving Thanksgiving food on Wednesday, offering lunch to anyone who came by. Many of the volunteers working on food preparation and service are members of the mission themselves.

“We’ve been cooking for a couple of days,” said volunteer Jonathan Williams. “We’re planning for probably around 200 people today.”

Here’s a full list of where you and your family can get a free meal on Thanksgiving Day:

Eureka

St. Vincent de Paul Society

• Where: 35 Third St.

• When: Starts at 11 a.m. Salvation Army (Attendees need to call to sign up)

• Where: 2123 Tydd St.

• When: Noon to 2 p.m.

Arcata

Veterans Memorial Building

• Where: 1245 J St.

• When: Starts at noon

McKinleyville

Azalia Hall

• Where: 1620 Pickett Rd.

• When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Fortuna

Veterans Memorial Building

• Where: 1426 Main St.

• When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Garberville

Mateel Community Center

• Where: 59 Rusk Ln., Redway

• When: Starts at noon Shomik Mukherjee can be reached at 707-441-0504.

RUTH SCHNEIDER – THE TIMES-STANDARD Taylor Johnson and Robyn Olson eat lunch together at the Eureka Rescue Mission on Wednesday afternoon.

RUTH SCHNEIDER – THE TIMES-STANDARD Kristen Freeman, left, shares mashed potatoes with her daughter Tasia Homer during a meal at the Eureka Rescue Mission, where Freeman works as a director. Across the table, Taylor Johnson and Robyn Olsen enjoy their plates with turkey and all the regular Thanksgiving sides.