Seniors, Homeless, Families Being Served Thanksgiving Dinner In RivCo

RIVERSIDE, CA — A Riverside church is slated Thursday to serve Thanksgiving meals to numerous homebound Riverside County residents and hundreds of others who are expected to dine at the house of worship.

"This is a meal for the homeless, senior citizens, families in need and those who will be home alone," according to Central Community Christian Fellowship.

This Thanksgiving will mark the 36th year the church has made meal deliveries available as part of its Thanksgiving Day Outreach.

In previous years, more than 4,000 meals have been dished out, largely to Meals-on-Wheels recipients.

During the COVID lockdowns of 2020, the church expanded service to many people who were out of work.

Delivery service generally begins early Thanksgiving morning and concludes in the afternoon.

Volunteers retrieve hot plates from the church kitchen on Arlington Avenue, near Riverside Municipal Airport, and fan out into Riverside and surrounding metropolitan communities.

On-site meal service is planned at the church around noon, when upwards of 500 people are expected to gather to enjoy traditional dinners.

The only exception to on-site dining was in 2020, when restrictions on public gatherings prevented volunteers from providing meals at the location.

Turkeys, along with stuffing, mashed potatoes and other trimmings are made in the church kitchen, typically with help from a Riverside-based catering service.

"Everyone is invited to join in sharing Thanksgiving dinners together with our families from Central Community," according to the church.

Further information is available at www.centralcommunity.com.