Can’t afford Thanksgiving and all the repairs? Jacksonville area nonprofits, churches can help

Over the next two weeks, nonprofits and other organizations are planning to host Thanksgiving parties – at the dinner table and at distributions – for needy families in the Jacksonville area. Here is a list of some of the offers:

• Ministry of Emergency Beach Assistance is accepting applications for its Thanksgiving Lunch Box Distribution program open to people who live or work in any of the following zip codes: 32227, 32233, 32266, 32250, 32224, 32082. Pre-registration is required. To subscribe to a shopping cart, support the program, or get more information, go to jaxbeam.org/ thanksgiving.

SHINE: Beach Department calls for help filling Thanksgiving baskets for low-income families

Here are some events open to the public:

Saturday

• 11 am to 1 pm: “Feed the Town†Holiday Luncheon for Veterans, Homeless and Low Income, sponsored by the Clara White Mission. Approximately 75 community volunteers are expected to feed up to 600 guests outside of the mission at 613 W. Ashley St. in downtown Jacksonville.

A memorial to the late head of the mission, Keith Smith, as well as free hairstyles, a gift of clothes, music and entertainment are also planned. From Monday, the mission will organize a collection of non-perishable food donations for the holidays.

• 11 am to 1 pm: Thanksgiving lunch kit and grocery gift sponsored by the Mayor’s Community Crime Reduction Program. Family activities are also planned; children must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. New Town Success Zone, 1401 Grunthal St., Jacksonville.

• Noon: “Feed the 5,000†Thanksgiving food distribution at First Baptist Church in Middleburg. The first 1,000 families to arrive receive a full holiday meal. 2645 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg.

Monday Tuesday

• 10 am to 2 pm: distribution of Thanksgiving meals to Jewish family and community services. 6261 Dupont Station Court East, off St. Augustine Road.

In addition, the association’s pantry is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for people in need of food aid. People without an appointment are welcome; photo ID is required. To make a donation or become a volunteer, go to jfcsjax.org.

Send event information to bcravey@jacksonville.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal? Jacksonville, here’s some help