Flint, MI — The Saint Mark Community Outreach Center (SMCOC), a mental health and community service provider on Flint’s north side, has hosted a free Thanksgiving meal for the past three years and a turkey day basket distribution event for the last decade.
This year, organizers said they will host the center’s first-ever “sit-down” version of their Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. at 615 W. McClellan St.
A Nov. 10 press release described the event “as a reminder that, during the holiday season, no one should feel alone, and every member of the community deserves a warm and inviting place to share a Thanksgiving meal.”
“It’s important to give people hope at Thanksgiving,” Agnes Naphier, Outreach Coordinator at the center, told Flint Beat over email. “And this gives us a chance to talk about our mental health services we offer here at SMCOC.”
But the center’s dinner is not the only way Flint residents can gather together this upcoming holiday. Here’s a list of other Thanksgiving events and giveaways around the city:
- Friday, Nov. 17: The Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village will be offering a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway from 4 to 6 p.m., or while supplies last, in the facility’s parking lot at 4119 N. Saginaw St.
- Saturday, Nov. 18: Like last year, Light’N Up Cannabis Company is giving away 1,000 free turkeys from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., or until supplies run out. The store is located at 4184 Pier North Blvd. in Flint Township, Mich. The company is requiring each turkey recipient to be 21 years of age or older, sign a liability waiver and provide an email or texting address.
- Saturday, Nov. 18: Hurley Medical Center will be hosting a free immunization and turkey giveaway event at the Flint Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. COVID-19, flu and other vaccinations will be available, and the first 50 individuals or families to participate will also receive a free frozen turkey to take home from sponsor Health Alliance Plan (HAP). Participants are asked to bring their insurance card for vaccinations, if they have one. Organizers told Flint Beat there are also programs available for those without insurance to receive discounted or free vaccines during the event.
- Saturday, Nov. 18: Fair 2nd Chance is putting on a free turkey giveaway from the parking lot of New Standard Academy (2040 W. Carpenter Rd) at noon. One turkey per household, while supplies last.
- Tuesday, Nov. 21: Flint non-profit organization Well of Hope, in partnership with Catholic Charities, will host its 15th annual “Blessed to be a Blessing” Thanksgiving dinner at the Center for Hope (812 Root St.) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. According to Well of Hope’s press release, the event will feature a turkey dinner including dressing, macaroni and cheese, yams and dessert options, along with music from DJ C-Nice and games for younger attendees.
- Thursday, Nov. 23: The 67th Annual Mott Park Turkey Trot will take place from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., starting from the Mott Park Recreational Center at 2701 Nolen Drive. The event features a one-mile and two-mile race for youth and a three-mile main event at 9:30 a.m. Entry is $10-$30 depending on age group, with proceeds going to support Whaley Children’s Home. Organizers noted that anyone who cannot afford entry is still encouraged to attend and race for free.
- Thursday, Nov. 23: Bountiful Love Church (G-3432 W. Pasadena Ave.) will host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner from noon to 2 p.m. There will also be a warm attire giveaway during the event. RSVP encouraged. Call 810-908-5623.
- Thursday, Nov. 23: Men Motivating Men Worldwide will host a Thanksgiving meal alongside a host of other sponsors from noon to 4 p.m. at Berston Field House (3300 N. Saginaw St.). Those interested in donating to or volunteering at the event can call 810-625-5509.
- Sunday, Nov. 26: Local comedians are inviting residents to laugh off their turkey day calories at “The Leftovers,” a Thanksgiving weekend comedy event at Club Quorum (3212 Saginaw St.) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online.
Did we miss your community celebration? Please let us know in the comments or email team@flintbeat.com.