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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Free Thanksgiving meals available today, Thursday

Volunteer Susan Rauer, center, helps move groceries and turkeys down the line the Salvation Army Center
Volunteer Susan Rauer, center, helps move groceries and turkeys down the line the Salvation Army Center's gym Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009. Volunteers gave away away a turkey, a sack of potatoes and a sack of other food every five seconds for 12 hours – more than 8,000 dinners, according to Capt. Kyle Smith of the Salvation Army. "We can't do anything without the help of the community," said Smith. "This is a wonderful sign of the kindness and generosity of Spokane." Approximately 500 volunteers helped out throughout the day. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Rebecca Nappi rebeccan@spokesman.com(509) 459-5496
Mid-City Concerns in downtown Spokane is known for serving meals to seniors at its center and through its Meals on Wheels program. On Thanksgiving Day, however, the agency will serve a traditional holiday dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to people of all ages. “We want to share the community spirit,” explained Mollie Dalpae, executive director of Mid-City Concerns. Generosity is the watchword this holiday week as more than a dozen Inland Northwest nonprofits, churches and other community organizations sponsor free Thanksgiving dinners today and Thursday for men, women and children who are isolated, living in poverty or just in need of a warm, safe place to enjoy the holiday. Today •City Gate, 170 S. Madison St. Thanksgiving meal served from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (509) 455-9670. •Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave. Thanksgiving program and turkey dinner starts at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. (509) 535-8510. Thursday •The American Diabetes Association and Hugo’s on the Hill are sponsoring a free meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3023 E. 29th Ave. Transportation will be provided from three locations near downtown Spokane with several pickup times. (509) 624-7478. •Mid-City Concerns, 1222 W. Second Ave. Doors open at 9 a.m.; meal served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (509) 456-6597. x •VFW Post 51, 300 W. Mission Ave. Open to veterans, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (509) 327-9847. •City Church, 1047 W. Garland Ave. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organizers ask people who plan to attend to RSVP if possible at (866) 824-0070. •Christ Lutheran Church, 13009 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. Meal starts at 1 p.m. (509) 928-7733. •St. Aloysius Parish, 330 E. Boone Ave. Sponsored by the parish, Gonzaga University and Sodexho Food Service, the meal will be served from noon to 2 p.m. in Cataldo Hall, across the courtyard from the church. (509) 313-5896. •Central United Methodist Church, 518 W. Third Ave., 1 to 3 p.m. Dinner guests should enter through the back of the church. Wheelchair accessible. (509) 455-9019. •New Beginnings Outreach Center, 2524 E. Queen Ave., 2 to 4 p.m. (509) 483-4567. •Campus Kitchen at Gonzaga University, 171 S. Washington St. Members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will prepare and serve dinner from 3 to 4 p.m. (509) 313-6939. Thursday meals in North Idaho •Fresh Start Inc., 1524 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Breakfast at 9 a.m. Turkey lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. (208) 667-9798. •Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, Coeur d’Alene. Noon to 2 p.m. (208) 667-4628. •Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Noon to 2 p.m. (208) 765-1002. •Monarch Mental Health, 1323 E. Sherman Ave., Suite D, Coeur d’Alene, 2 to 4 p.m. (208) 676-1075. •St. George’s Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls, 2 to 4 p.m. (208) 773-4715. •American Legion Post 149, 5525 E. Highway 54, Athol, 2 to 4 p.m. (208) 683-2614.