Denverites in need of a warm meal this Thanksgiving season can find free food and resources at the following locations:
African Community Center
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20
Where: Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral at 4610 E. Alameda Ave., Denver
Details: The African Community Center is hosting its 18th annual Refugee First Thanksgiving event on Monday. Tickets are free, but required. They can be reserved online. The event is a multicultural dinner welcoming newcomers to the country featuring international music, activities for children and globally inspired food. The event is alcohol-free and halal to be inclusive of Muslim attendees.
Denver Rescue Mission
When: 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21
Where: Empower Field at Mile High, parking lot B, at 1701 Bryant St, Denver
Details: While registration for Denver Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box is already full, people who did not get a chance to register can head to Empower Field between noon and 1 p.m. Tuesday to pick up a box from the program’s drive-through on a first-come, first-served basis — until boxes run out. The boxes contain Thanksgiving meal fixings for a family of eight to 10 people, along with a frozen turkey. Only one box per family will be distributed.
Brother Jeff Cultural Center
When: Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: Brother Jeff Cultural Center at 2836 Welton St., Denver
Details: Folks in Aurora and Denver can sign up for a free Thanksgiving meal delivery or pick-up through the Brother Jeff Cultural Center. Fill out the form at brotherjeff.com to determine whether you require delivery or are able to pick up the food in the early afternoon. The center is offering contactless, COVID-safe deliveries for people who can’t leave their homes due to illness, mobility restrictions or lack of transportation.
Ms. Betty’s Harvest Madsgiving
When: Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: Select pick-up or delivery location
Details: Over the past four years, Danielle and Tajahi Cooke have used their local chef status to cook and provide nearly 40,000 meals to Coloradans in need on Thanksgiving. This year, in addition to cooking up food for the homeless and those in need, the Cookes also want to provide a hearty Thanksgiving meal for people working in the restaurant industry. Whether a front-of-house manager, chef, sous chef, line cook, prep cook, dishwasher or a server, The Cookes encourage people to fill out the application provided at msbettyscooking.com in exchange for a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day. Pick-up locations are scattered throughout Aurora and Denver — listed in the application — and delivery is possible as well.
Cherry Creek Schools
When: Thursday, Nov. 23
Where: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Overland High School, 12400 E. Jewell Ave., Aurora; or 12 to 2 p.m. at Summit Church, 7200 S. Clinton St., Centennial
Details: Students in a culinary program at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus will be making meals and volunteers from the Cherry Creek School District will be help to distribute the food at these two locations. More than 4,000 meals are expected to be handed out, and people can either drive or walk up to get their goods.
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