Community events offering warmth and food this Thanksgiving in St. Louis.
Several community organizations across the St. Louis area are offering free holiday meals to those in need.


Credit: Brent Hofacker – stock.adobe.com
Homemade Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner with Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, and Corn
ST. LOUIS — Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, but for some, making the meal happen can be a financial challenge.
In the hopes of providing a little financial relief and preserving the tradition of a warm turkey feast, many St. Louis-area organizations are offering Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Here’s where you can find a free meal for your family.
Nov. 22 and 23
Families can stop by the People’s Community Action Turkey Giveaway to grab a turkey and a bag full of fixings to make their own Thanksgiving feast while supplies last. They have 300 turkeys and sides to give away at the two-day, drive-thru event. The first day is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at 11642 W. Florissant and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 23 at 5701 Delmar Blvd. You must be 18 or older with a valid ID and proof of income to receive your turkey. While you’re there, you can also access free health screenings, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines.
The Ricky Whittington Foundation is holding a community-driven turkey drive that will provide thousands of meals at the following locations and times:
- Friendly Temple Church
- Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63112 - Date: Saturday November 23, 2024, | 9:00 AM
- Meals Provided: 2,000‘
- North County Receiving Complex Gift Event
- 2571 Reuma Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63136 - Date: Friday November 22, 2024, | 10:00 AM
- Meals Provided: 1,000
- House of Soul
- 1204 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63101 - Date: Thursday November 28, 2024, | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Meals Provided: 1,000
Nov. 23
The Cahokia Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Miracle Temple Tabernacle is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner again this year. Dinner is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2801 Mousette Lane in Cahokia, Illinois.
St. Andrew United Methodist Church is also hosting a number of free food events, with the first falling on Nov. 23. Click here for more information.
Nov. 26
Cherokee Street Thanksgiving is an annual community tradition that began as a small community potluck and has grown to an event that feeds hundreds thanks to contributions from local businesses and volunteers. This year’s event will go from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at The Golden Record, located at 2718 Cherokee Street. Bring a dish, dessert or drink to share if you can. For more information or to volunteer, click here.
Nov. 27
Enjoy food, good company and a plate to take home at the St. Louis Ministry Center’s Thanksgiving Community Meal. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 333 N. Florissant Road in Ferguson. Everyone is welcome.
Nov. 28
The Oakville Elks Lodge is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for veterans and first responders. The meal starts at noon and will feature turkey, dressing and all the fixings. The event is held at the Elks Lodge at 2726 Oakville Elks Lane.
Canaan Baptist Church is hosting a Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner at their Windsor campus on Nov. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s designed for singles, elderly, homebound, and those who are alone. Those attending should register by Monday, November 25, by calling 636-464-9008. Delivery is available to those who are homebound. Our Windsor campus is located at 6701 Hwy 61-67, Imperial, MO 63052.
5 On Your Side will continue to update this list as more events are announced. Missed an event? Send us an email.
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