(File Photo) Volunteers at Norwood United Methodist Church in Marietta prepared Thanksgiving meals for the community in 2024 that included ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie.

There’s nothing quite like the experience of gathering around the table on a chilly November day to enjoy the company of others and a warm meal.

That experience might look different for everyone but with Thanksgiving around the corner, the community is coming together to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a meal and some company.

The public is invited to the Thanksgiving community meal at the Parkersburg First Christian Church on Washington Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 27.

Church member Becky Cutlip said the meal is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or until everyone attending has been served.

The Parkersburg First Christian Church has served a Thanksgiving meal for the past 17 years excluding 2020 due to the pandemic.

(File Photo) Boy Scout Troop 203 member Caleb Mackie added gravy to Thanksgiving meals prepared at the Norwood United Methodist Church in Marietta, in 2024.

Cutlip said since the pandemic, they’ve been serving the meals take-out style but this year they are returning to a traditional sit-down meal experience.

The Salvation Army in Parkersburg is preparing over 1,200 meals to provide to Wood, Wirt, Ritchie and Pleasants counties on Thanksgiving.

Captain Marjorie Rowe said they purchase the food and volunteers begin preparing all of the meals during the two days leading up to Thanksgiving. The meals will include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie.

“For surrounding counties, we’ll purchase the food and deliver it to those other locations and volunteers there will prepare those meals for their area,” said Rowe. “In Wood County, we’re delivering the food to residents in this area and offering take-out for people to come and pick up.”

She said volunteers will start delivering around 9:30 a.m. and take-out will begin shortly after around 10:30 or 11 a.m. on Nov. 27.

“We’re always looking for volunteers because last year we had a shortage in delivery drivers,” she said.

Members with WVU Medicine Camden Clark will be helping by cooking and slicing the turkey for the meals.

The Williamstown Legion Post 159 is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Dinner from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 27 at 100 Central Ave.

Meal delivery in the Williamstown area will be delivered from noon to 1 p.m. and preordered meals are available at 2 p.m. Delivery or pick up meals must be preordered on Nov. 25-26 by calling 740-525-8802.

The legion is currently accepting volunteers to help with the preparations.

Norwood United Methodist Church at 23 Colegate Dr. in Marietta is providing free Thanksgiving meals for residents in Washington County. The meals will be pick-up and delivery only with a six meal limit delivered to one address.

Reservations for meals can be made starting at noon Saturday, Nov. 22, through noon Wednesday, Nov. 26, by contacting 740-374-5606.

Meals will include ham or turkey options and apple or pumpkin pie for dessert. To place an order include name, address and phone number and expect a return confirmation call.

Norwood United is currently accepting volunteers for food preparation and drivers to deliver meals starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27. Volunteer drivers can expect to deliver a few hundred meals on Thanksgiving day.

The Washington County Veterans Service Commission is partnering with Settlers Bank and Westlake Dimex to deliver holiday meals and care baskets to veterans and their families in the area who have registered for the event. Meals will be distributed to veterans and their families at 1 p.m. at 706 Pike St.

“We believe deeply that those who answered the call to serve our country should never face the holiday without a proper meal or the support they deserve,” said WCVSC Executive Director Darren Shearlock. “This program is also a moment to remember all veterans-those serving now, those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

He said even though the meals are prepared for the 50 families who are registered, if there is a veteran in need, WCVSC will offer help and services.

“In a time of thanks and giving, we must not forget them,” he said.

For more information about the event and WCVSC, call 740-568-9009