One thousand Thanksgiving packages to make a traditional holiday meal will be given away at Balloon Fiesta Park Wednesday, Nov. 16, from noon until supplies last.
The giveaway, sponsored by law firm Lerner & Rowe, is a contactless, first-come, first-served event. Participants are asked to remain in their vehicles and the meal packages will be handed through the window or placed in the trunk. One meal package will be given away per vehicle.
“With rising costs and a variety of food shortages, we hope that our carefully assembled meal packages will help local families enjoy a more bountiful Thanksgiving dinner with their loved ones,” Kevin Rowe is quoted as saying in a media release. “We also hope to spread even more holiday cheer with the kickoff of our annual 25 Days of Giving contest that begins the day after Thanksgiving.”
For more information about the giveaway, visit the Lerner and Rowe website, visit the firm’s Facebook page, call 505-544-4444 or email Cindy Ernst at cernst@lernerandrowe.
Calvary Chapel
In her Nov. 14 weekly message to families, Madison Middle School Principal Tammy Crespin announced free Thanksgiving resources at Calvary Chapel, 4001 Osuna Road NE.
From 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, families will have access to free Thanksgiving meal kits, free haircuts, medical wellness checks, dental scans and a family photo. Live music, inflatables, face painting and treats will also be available at the event.
Meal kits will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The church is looking for volunteers to help unload and pack meal kits, set up the event, distribute meal kits and tear down after the event. Dentists, hygienists, medical professionals, barbers and hair stylists are also being called on to provide professional services.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit the Calvary Chapel’s Give Back webpage or call 505-344-0880.
Calvary Chapel’s westside location at 6510 Fortuna Road NW is also seeking donations for its community outreach event on Saturday, Nov. 20. Thanksgiving items and frozen turkeys can be donated at the church. Saturday’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon.
Other holiday resources
Citizen Church – The Citizen Church Holiday Hope Thanksgiving outreach will be distributing Thanksgiving meal kits at five locations across Albuquerque Saturday, Nov. 20, and Sunday, Nov. 21.
Distribution sites include Highland High School, Kennedy Middle School, Manzano High School, Van Buren Middle School and God’s Warehouse Street Ministry. To learn more about distribution sites and times and how to volunteer, visit the Citizen Church website.
Western Sky Community Care – Turkeys, gift cards and 300 bags of groceries will be distributed during the Albuquerque South Valley Thanksgiving Giveaway at Dennis Chavez Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The community center is located at 715 Kathryn Ave. SE. Benefit information and other resources will also be available at the free event. Turkeys and groceries will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Storehouse New Mexico – Families in need of food are urged to stop by their food pantry at 106 Broadway Blvd. SE before Wednesday, Nov. 23. Storehouse will be closed Nov. 24-27 for Thanksgiving weekend. Current hours are 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. A photo ID is required, and first-time visitors will be asked to fill out paperwork. Storehouse is currently offering pre-packed boxes of food that typically include produce, meat, dry goods and canned goods. The site also has a pet food pantry. For more information, visit the Storehouse New Mexico website.
Roadrunner Food Bank – About 500 partner agencies across New Mexico help Roadrunner Food Bank distribute foods and services at food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, senior sites and health care clinics. To find a nearby distribution center, use Roadrunner Food Bank’s food finder map.