Where to volunteer and enjoy free Thanksgiving dinner

JACKSON, Tenn. — “It’s amazing to me to see God work through such an amazing amount of people here to meet the needs of those less fortunate, Dan Ward, volunteer coordinator at RIFA, said.

RIFA is only one of the local organizations who hold an event every Thanksgiving to invite not only those in need to enjoy a good meal, but also residents to spread their graciousness with others and volunteer.

City Councilman Johnny Dodd says he expects to feed about 100 residents at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Thursday, but they aren’t the only ones he will be giving a Thanksgiving dinner.

“Something going on unique this year — we’re having the police department and the sheriff’s department will be helping us deliver our food out into the community,” Dodd said.

If you would like to volunteer Thursday, Dodd says there is variety of things you can choose to do — cook a dish and drop it off, help serve or deliver meals, or just show up to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to spend some time with people in your community.

“If you feel like you’re OK in that department, you don’t need anything, come out and fellowship,” Dodd said. “Just come out and meet some people and spread some love. That’s what it’s all about.”

RIFA told us they already have an impressive number of volunteers this Thanksgiving but remind those interested that there is an ongoing need for them to donate their time.

“The kitchen is open 365 days a year,” Ward said. “It never shuts down, so you always have the opportunity to come and serve in the kitchen.”

If you would like to share in the Thanksgiving celebrations, RIFA will start serving at 11:30 a.m. at 133 Airways Boulevard and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 11 a.m. at 225 Daugherty Street, both in Jackson.