Those looking for a place to enjoy fellowship and a meal at no cost on Thanksgiving Day can visit one of several locations around Washington County.
For the fourth year in a row, Jukebox Pizza in Waterford will serve a Thanksgiving Day lunch that's really more feast than lunch.
Thursday's mouth-watering menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, green beans, noodles and stuffing.
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SHARON BOPP The Marietta Times
Vickie Insley, a member of Norwood United Methodist Church, stacks supplies Tuesday for the church’s free Thanksgiving Day feast.
"It's all homemade and fresh made," said manager Tyson Powers. "We cook it here."
"We've already started cooking. For the last week or so it's been pretty hectic in here," he added.
Oh, and there's pie for dessert-all donated by community members and staffers.
Fact Box
If you go
Lowell United Methodist Church free community Thanksgiving Day dinner.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, or while food lasts.
Where: 200 Third St., Lowell.
Jukebox Pizza Thanksgiving Day lunch.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.
Where: 650 Main St., Waterford.
What: Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, pie and more.
Cornerstone Ministries 26th annual Thanksgiving feast.
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: 27375 Ohio 7, Reno. On the left approximately four-tenths of a mile north of the traffic light at the Ohio 7 and Sand Hill Road intersection in Reno.
Delivery and information available by calling 374-5381.
Norwood United Methodist Church free Thanksgiving Day feast.
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
Where: 23 Colegate Drive, Marietta.
What: Traditional turkey or ham meal with dessert.
Delivery also available.
American Legion General George Post 159 annual community free Thanksgiving dinner.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday.
Where: 201 Central Ave., Williamstown.
Walnut St. Church of Christ free Thanksgiving dinner.
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.
Where: 401 Walnut St., Belpre.
"In the past we've had three to four dozen pies donated," said Powers. "All of them are homemade."
On Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jukebox Pizza will be filled with food and from 25 to 30 volunteers there to serve the 250 to 275 folks they hope to feed this year.
"We've grown every year," Powers said. "Last year we had 225 to 250 people. We're hoping to bump it up just a little more."
Jukebox Pizza will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2013, and Powers said he appreciates what people in the Waterford area have done to support the business.
"It's a good way to give back to our community," he said. "And there's nothing like the Beverly-Waterford community."
Community and Christian spirit are two reasons behind the free Thanksgiving Day feast being held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Norwood United Methodist Church in Marietta.
"As a Christian congregation we not only serve our own members but also we are in service to the community as a whole," said pastor Stacy Evans.
Tom Insley, church member and chairman of the committee organizing the dinner that has been held at the church 14 years, was in agreement.
"It's a great outreach for the church," he said.
"There are a lot of people out there who don't have anything and really don't have a Thanksgiving dinner," Insley added.
This year's feast will include a choice of ham or turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, rolls, pumpkin pie and tea or coffee.
Insley thanked Food 4 Less in Marietta, who will prepare the turkey, ham, rolls and pumpkin pies at no cost to Norwood United Methodist Church.
In addition, the Marietta Shoney's will donate instant mashed potatoes for the meal.
"Both help tremendously," said Insley.
The cost for this year's meal is expected to be $1,300 to $1,400, according to Insley. About 20 area churches will help cover the sum.
On Thanksgiving Day, about 30 volunteers will help serve at the church and prepare meals for delivery.
Some volunteers are families with children.
"It teaches them about giving not just receiving," Insley said. "Then, they'll leave and have their own Thanksgiving dinner."
Norwood United Methodist Church usually delivers between 250 and 300 meals and serves between 150 to 200 meals during the feast, said Insley.
"We'll deliver wherever. Last year we went as far as Beverly and all the way up to New Matamoras," he added.
In Williamstown, American Legion General George Post 159 began hosting its annual community free Thanksgiving Dinner in 2004 and the tradition has continued every year.
Volunteers from the Post, the Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion and the community share the "reason for the season" by preparing and serving the free Thanksgiving buffet that is open to all members of Post 159 and residents of Williamstown School District.
The meals are served from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Anyone wishing to share Thanksgiving by donating food items or helping prep, serve or clean-up may contact Post 159 at (304) 375-5997.
Additional Thanksgiving meals include:
A free community Thanksgiving Day dinner will be offered at Lowell United Methodist Church, 200 Third St., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Cornerstone Ministries in Reno will host its 26th annual Thanksgiving feast from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Delivery requests and more information are available at 374-5381.
Cornerstone Ministries is located at 27375 Ohio 7. The facility is on the left approximately four-tenths of a mile north of the traffic light at the Ohio 7 and Sand Hill Road intersection.
A free Thanksgiving dinner will be served at Walnut St. Church of Christ, 401 Walnut St., Belpre, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
