Plates topped with Thanksgiving favorites will be served to several thousand people Thursday by volunteers at a Riverside church and a Norco restaurant.
The Central Community Christian Fellowship, located at 5623 Arlington Ave., will hold its 31st annual Thanksgiving Day Outreach.
Each year, the church serves or distributes more than 4,000 dinners.
“This is for the homeless, senior citizens, families in need — or for those who will be home alone,” according to the CCCF website.
Turkeys, along with stuffing, mashed potatoes and other trappings, are made both on-site and in the homes of churchgoers.
Meals are served at the fellowship beginning at noon, typically drawing upwards of 500 people. Volunteers also distribute food to Meals on Wheels recipients and others who request them throughout the Riverside metropolitan area, reaching around 3,500 people each year, according to organizers.
More information is available at www.centralcommunity.com/ .
Eight miles to the west, in Norco, Silverado Burgers & Mexican Food, located at 1091 Sixth St., is expected to serve over 800 people during the 16th annual “Miracle on Sixth Street.”
Brent Sakamoto, who has organized the event since 2003, said free Thanksgiving meals will be offered between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“This dinner, since its start, has served thousands of folks,” Sakamoto said.
“We have served folks from all over the region, some driving over 40 miles to come have a nice meal. We have served people who do not have the ability to have a nice meal, some who do not have anyone to spend the holiday with, and many who are working during the holiday, such as law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services crews and many more.”
Sakamoto noted that the event grows yearly, thanks largely to the dedication of dozens of volunteers, some of whom drive more than 90 miles to take part.
Area businesses, particularly the Maverick Saloon & Steakhouse in Norco, have supported the effort, along with Sakamoto’s associates at a security consulting firm.
For the seventh consecutive year, the country band Hillbilly Reign will provide musical entertainment for diners.
Details are available at www.miracleon6thstreet.org.