The Third Annual “Unity in the Community: A Thanksgiving Day Celebration” is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, in the First Tennessee Pavilion across from Finley Stadium in downtown Chattanooga. Unity in the Community is a coalition of local social service agencies, churches, businesses and the City of Chattanooga who partner to offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal to the homeless and disadvantaged each year. Frozen turkeys, food gift cards and monetary donations are needed.
To ensure there is enough food, the community is being asked to donate frozen turkeys and Wal-Mart gift cards to purchase other necessary food items beginning Monday, November 9th. Frozen turkeys are the major need, and these must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 18.
The frozen turkeys are to be brought to the Brainerd Baptist Church’s “BX” Building at Austin and Belvoir Streets.
Gift cards to purchase food items from local Wal-Mart Stores and all monetary donations should be brought to The Salvation Army at 822 McCallie Ave., located at the corner of McCallie and Magnolia.
Unity in the Community Thanksgiving Celebration Co-Chair, Sharon Myers said, “It’s always a joy to see so many agencies and churches working together to make a difference in the lives of the homeless and disadvantaged hungry. We thank God for all our wonderful partners and volunteers.”
In 2008, 1,700 meals were served. Besides “turkey and all the trimmings,” hot showers, clean clothing and encouraging fellowship are offered. Entertainment will be presented during the meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 26. The First Tennessee Pavilion is located at 1826 Carter Street.
For more information on donating food or volunteering to help during “Unity in the Community: A Thanksgiving Day Celebration,” contact The Salvation Army at 423 756-1023.