Football and turkey? Think again. Here’s how locals are giving back this Thanksgiving.
For teenagers Zach and Faith Knobel, Thanksgiving is about much more than food and football. The siblings began a food drive in 2013 and are going strong 10 years later.
Last year, with the help of a thousand volunteers and local schools, they collected 25,000 pounds of food to give away. It’s about teaching others to “have a servant’s heart and to be community minded,” said their mother, Esther. Their food drive this year has ended, but the family reiterated that anyone can still make a financial donation to Modesto Gospel Mission and their meals program.
The Knobel family isn’t alone. As rising food prices have made it even harder for some families to put food on the table, people all across Stanislaus County are taking the holiday as a chance to give back. Below are just a few places where families can go to find a free Thanksgiving meal next week. Volunteer opportunities and food drives are included in the list as well.
Take-home food
RIVERBANK - Nov. 19: American Veterans First invites anyone in need to grab a bag full of “frozen meats, canned goods, granola and spaghetti,” Riverbank News reported. The distribution will begin at 9 a.m. and continue as long as supplies last. 6436 Oakdale Road, Riverbank.
DOWNTOWN MODESTO - Nov 21, 22: Residents can stop by The Salvation Army’s administrative office downtown to pick up Thanksgiving meals for their families. Supplies are limited, so it’s best to come early. Hours are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. A picture ID and proof of address are required. 301 10th St., Modesto.
COMMUNAL MEALS
PATTERSON - Nov. 17: All are invited to come to the Patterson Family Resource Center for a free Thanksgiving meal. The event will last from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. with serving times at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30. Call 209-690-3100 to register. 1033 W Las Palmas Ave.
CERES - Nov. 18: The Ceres Community Center is hosting a “harvest holiday luncheon” from noon to 2 p.m. in the large assembly room. Stop by the community center for more information and to preregister. 2701 Fourth St.
SOUTH MODESTO - Nov. 18: The Red Shield Community Center and The Salvation Army Modesto Corps are hosting an annual free Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by the Ceres Rotary. The dinner starts at 5 p.m. 1649 Las Vegas St.
AIRPORT NEIGHBORHOOD - Nov 23: The Modesto Gospel Mission offers free winter clothes and a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This is no small affair – the church expects more than 1,000 people this year. In addition to turkey and stuffing, residents can find coats, sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves. Interested volunteers can call 209-529-8259. The meal is from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1400 Yosemite Blvd.
RIVERBANK - Nov. 23: A number of churches are coordinating efforts to offer a Thanksgiving dinner at the Assembly of God church, complete with “fellowship and good food.” The event begins at 6 p.m. at 3126 Stanislaus St.
DOWNTOWN MODESTO - Nov. 24: The Salvation Army is hosting its annual Thanksgiving dinner at Centre Plaza. Anyone interested in volunteering should show up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day, no preregistration required. 1000 L St.
FOOD DRIVES
ESCALON - Nov 20: “Stuff this bus!” The city of Escalon is hosting its annual food drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where residents can pile their perishable and nonperishable donated items into an eTrans bus parked outside of MarVal’s Main Street Market. All donations will go toward Escalon C.A.R.E. 1900 McHenry Ave.
DOWNTOWN MODESTO - Nov. 21: An avid group of 49ers fans, known as the Central Valley Faithfuls, is hosting a turkey drive at 5 p.m. to support farmworkers and DACA recipients. Every turkey donor will be entered into a raffle. The event also advertises food, drink and “old school beats.” 959 10th St.
This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
