Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal together. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to afford such a meal. Thankfully, in Spartanburg, nonprofits, charities, and faith-based groups are coming together to ensure that families in need can also experience the joy of Thanksgiving.
The Spartanburg Soup Kitchen is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving, with plans to serve over 2,000 meals on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to the support of volunteers and generous donations from the community, the soup kitchen is able to make this incredible feat possible. In addition to serving meals on-site, they will also be delivering meals to homes throughout Spartanburg County.
Lou Sartor, the executive director of the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, mentioned that there was a shortage of turkeys after Hurricane Helene, but thankfully, over 120 turkeys were donated to the cause. The Thanksgiving meals will be served at the soup kitchen on November 28th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with take-home meals also being distributed.
The need for meals at the soup kitchen continues to grow, with around 1,200 meals being served weekly. Looking ahead, Sartor anticipates an even greater need in the coming years. In preparation for future emergencies, the nonprofit plans to purchase a generator to prevent food loss due to power outages.
Despite the challenges, Sartor remains focused on providing a memorable Thanksgiving meal for those in need. He expressed gratitude for the volunteers who make it all possible and emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone has a special Thanksgiving experience.
In addition to the efforts of the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, several other Thanksgiving events are taking place in the city. From community dinners to interfaith services, there are plenty of opportunities for people to come together and celebrate the holiday.
One such event is the annual Turkey Day 8K, which will be held in downtown Spartanburg on Thanksgiving morning. The race, now in its 20th season, is a popular tradition that brings the community together for a fun and festive run/walk.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support and generosity in Spartanburg. From free turkey dinners to community gatherings, the spirit of giving is alive and well in the city. This Thanksgiving, let’s come together to spread joy and gratitude to all those in need.