Signal Cleveland wants to highlight organizations working to fulfill the needs of others this holiday season. We are starting with free meal opportunities for Thanksgiving and will continue through the end of year.
Where to get a free Thanksgiving meal or free turkey in Cleveland
November 16
Greater Heights Church of Christ Food Bank, 2409 Willowdale Ave.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Greater Heights Church of Christ Food Bank will be offering Thanksgiving meal items from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Turkeys, hams and other holiday foods will be available. Bring your own grocery bag and photo ID. Those who qualify will also have an opportunity to receive free tablets and cell phones.
Scranton Road Bible Church, 3905 Scranton Road
The Scranton Road Bible Church will be hosting its monthly neighborhood meal with a Thanksgiving theme on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a meal and hear some motivating words. For more information, call 216-861-7539.
St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Mission and Chapel, 4345 State Road
The chapel will be hosting a Thanksgiving food distribution on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration will be done on-site – just be sure to clear your trunk and bring your photo ID. There are no residency requirements.
November 21
Refuge Cleveland, 4504 Broadview Road
Refuge Cleveland will be hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner is free, but advanced registration is required. The organization is also looking for people to bring side dishes. To register and view the food list, click here.
Ward 5 distribution
Council Member Richard Starr, in partnership with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, will be hosting multiple hot meal distributions throughout Ward 5 during the week of Thanksgiving.
November 21
Legacy Apartments, 242 E. 43rd St., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
November 22
Heritage View Homes, 7230 Kinsman Road, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 23
A Good Thanksgiving
DJ Steph Floss, 93FM and Z107.9 will host the 12th Annual #AGoodThanksgiving Turkey Drive at Whitney M. Young School, 17900 Harvard Ave., 12 p.m. – until the they run out of turkeys. You can donate to help provide turkeys (1 Turkey = $25), more info here.
November 25
King Kennedy Hi-Rise, 6001 Woodland Ave., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thanksgiving Dinner, 7146 Broadway Ave.
The House of Hope, Loretta’s Helping Hands, Passionate House of Change and Str8 Positive will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free food, drinks and coats will be provided while supplies last.
November 26
Cedar Hi-Rise, 2320 E. 30th St., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
University Settlement, 5115 Broadway Ave., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friendly Inn Settlement, 2386 Unwin Rd.
The Friendly Inn will be hosting a Health & Wellness Day on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The first 350 families will receive a free turkey. For more information, call 216-431-7656.
Friendsgiving Dinner Party, 4505 Broadview Rd.
Refuge Cleveland will be hosting a Friendsgiving on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. For more information, click here.
November 27
Prophetic Outreach Chapel Cleveland-LRMG, 3998 E. 71st St.
The Prophetic Outreach Chapel Cleveland-LRMG will be offering a free take-out Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. No ID is required, just your ZIP code.
Third Federal Headquarters, 7100 Aetna Road
Third Federal Headquarters will be offering to-go meals on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Vehicles should enter through the 7100 Aetna Road gate. Pedestrians and public transit users may use the walk-up gate and doors. Signs will be posted to help direct you.
November 28
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland
Thanksgiving meals will be available for delivery on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but you must sign up in advance. Community members interested in receiving free home delivered holiday meals are asked to register now by calling 216-377-3725 or e-mailing [email protected], be sure to include your name, phone number, full address and the number of meals you are requesting. Requests will be accepted up until noon on Monday, Nov. 25.
Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals, load cars and deliver meals. To view and sign up for volunteer opportunities, follow the link: Holiday Meals | Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland
St. Augustine Hunger Center, 1400 Howard Ave.
In-person Thanksgiving meals will be available on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mary Queen of Peace Cleveland, 4423 Pearl Road.
The West Side church will serve a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Limited delivery options are available. For more information, call 216-749-2323.
New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1508 E. 71 St.
The New Mt. Zion Youth Ministry will be offering dine-in or take out meals on Thursday, Nov 28., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Turkey, gravy, dressing, macaroni and cheese, greens and pound cake will be served. For more information, contact Natasha Lewis at 216-431-5458.
Sanctuary Baptist Church, 4004 E. 131 St.
Pastor Mark Smith and the Sanctuary Baptist Church will be serving a Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
JB’s Grill & Soul Food, 6624 Harvard Ave.
JB’s Grill & Soul Food and Chef Barbara will be offering 100 free meals from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last.
If you have information about a Thanksgiving meal in Cleveland I may have missed, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected] or call or text me at (216) 220-9398.