Local organizations offering Thanksgiving meals

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Salvation Army of Linn County staff and volunteers put out a tray of food every 4.7 seconds during its Thanksgiving meal last year.

This year, Tim Shafar, kitchen manager, said staff plan to open a second serving station with the goal of feeding even more clients - upward of 500. The free Thanksgiving meal is scheduled form 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at 1000 C Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids. It is open to the public.

'Thanksgiving is all about coming together and giving thanks for what we have,” said Lia Pontarelli, director of development and communications for The Salvation Army. 'The biggest difference besides this meal and others, the volunteers are actually serving the meal.”

Those who attend are to be seated at a table with place settings and centerpieces and served a full Thanksgiving dinner. Pontarelli said between 30 and 40 volunteers plan to prepare, serve and clean up after the meal.

One of those volunteers, Holly Becker, 65, of Cedar Rapids, plans to help out like she has done in years past. She said she started volunteering for The Salvation Army after she retired eight years ago and was looking for something to do. She said she enjoys working in the kitchen.

'It's a worthwhile project and it sounded like it would be a lot of fun, and it is,” Becker said. 'For managing on a shoestring budget, it doesn't feel like a meal on a shoestring budget.”

Another large Thanksgiving meal in the area is at First Church of the Open Bible, 1911 E Ave. NW, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. The church opens the free meal to everyone, but Sonny Friis, a worship pastor, said the church sees a lot of elderly attendees and those who might not have other places to go. 'We welcome anybody who wants to come,” Friis said. 'It's just important to provide that hope for them.”

Friis said the church plans to feed 200 people and send home leftovers with those who attend if necessary. He said the cooking is done by church members in their own homes and about 20 to 30 volunteers are on hand the day of the meal to serve the food,

For those who wish to attend, they're asked to sign up by calling (319) 363-3117.

The Salvation Army and the First Church of the Open Bible are not the only Thanksgiving programs going on this week. Here is a list of a few others planned in Linn and Johnson counties:

LINN COUNTY

Fusion Indian and American Restaurant

What: Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate

When: 4 p.m. Wednesday

Where: 821 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids

Info: Food and cash donations, as well as volunteers are to be accepted.

Linn Community Food Bank

What: Ham giveaway

When: 1 to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Wednesday

Where: 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Info: Food bank clients must register before food is received. More information on requirements for clients can be found at linncommunityfoodbank.org.

JOHNSON COUNTY

The Salvation Army of Johnson County

What: Thanksgiving box pickup

When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday

Where: 1898 Lower Muscatine Road, Iowa City

The River Community Church

What: Thanksgiving dinner

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday

Where: 3001 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City

North Liberty Thanksgiving Dinner

What: Thanksgiving dinner

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Thursday

Where: South Slope Community Center, 980 N. Front St.