Groups around Clark County are making sure everyone can enjoy a festive Thanksgiving feast regardless of their ability to pay. Here are five places serving free meals to anyone who’s homeless, lonely or just hungry this holiday.
• Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St., Washougal.
A group from St. Anne’s Episcopal Church will serve up a traditional turkey dinner complete with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pies from 4 to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
“We have some amazing cooks in the congregation,” said John Adams, a member of St. Anne’s.
He said the group, which regularly cooks meals at the Washougal Community Center through Refuel Washougal, expects to feed between 90 and 110 people. Refuel Washougal will still hold its regularly scheduled Friday meal at the community center.
• WareHouse ’23, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.
Washington Court of Appeals Judge Rich Melnick is continuing a long-standing tradition by providing a Thanksgiving feast from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at waterfront restaurant WareHouse ’23. The tradition started with Chuck Chronis and after his retirement and restaurant closure continued with WareHouse ’23 owner Mark Matthias. For the last few years, the meal at WareHouse ’23 averaged between 600 and 700 diners. Many volunteers are needed to put on the event.
Food is served between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the restaurant’s dining room. WareHouse ’23 will also host a free meal Christmas Day.
• Living Hope Church, 2711 N.E. Andresen Road, Vancouver.
For the eighth year in a row, Donnie Vercher, owner of popular Daddy D’s Southern Style BBQ, is putting on a massive Thanksgiving meal and everyone is welcome partake.
This year, the meal takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Living Hope Church. Vercher said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle learned he was looking for a large indoor space to host the event and suggested the church, which put on its own meal last year.
With 1,500 to 2,000 people expected Saturday, Vercher said preparation takes days; smoking 60 turkeys and 50 hams at his Woodland restaurant is no small feat. On top of smoked meats, there will be cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, Hawaiian rolls and as assortment of pies and pastries.
“No one will be turned away,” Vercher said. “It’s to bring the community together. There are a lot of people with jobs and a home who can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal.”
Vercher said he wants everyone to get something good to eat and have a good time. Besides food, there will be free haircuts, prizes for children, face painting and service organizations will have booths.
For more information, visit facebook.com/dreamforlifeoutreach.
• Luepke Senior Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
On Friday, Vancouver Parks & Recreation’s 50 and Better program will host a Thanksgiving lunch at Luepke Senior Center. Starting at 10:15 a.m., people can enjoy food provided by Meals on Wheels People as well as a performance by The Marshallaires Community Choir.
Donations are accepted for the meal and those younger than 60 are encouraged to pay full price ($7.39).
• Vancouver United Church of Christ, 1220 N.E. 68th St., Vancouver.
On Thanksgiving Day, Vancouver United Church of Christ will provide a traditional turkey dinner complete with ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad and pie. It’s the Hazel Dell church’s first time providing a holiday feast and it will takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Church members can also deliver meals to home-bound people who can’t get to the church. To set up a dinner delivery, call 360-980-7629.
Afterwards, volunteers will give away any leftovers to people who are homeless.
