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PHOTO/METRO
The Salvation Army of Orlando’s annual Thanksgiving dinner will look a lot different this year.
Due to COVID-19 and the social distancing guidelines put in place by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, instead of The Salvation Army’s traditional eat-in dinner, it will be serving to-go meals for individuals in need at its first HOPEsgiving Dinner.
On Thanksgiving Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Salvation Army in Orlando will distribute 5,000 pre-packed thanksgiving meals from its gymnasium on 440 W. Colonial Drive.
“More than other times in the past 27 years, this thanksgiving tradition needs to continue to let those who are struggling know that they are not alone and that someone cares,” said Captain Ken Chapman, area commander of The Salvation Army Orlando. The sponsors of our HOPEsgiving Dinner are Eric and Diane Holm.
To assist more families, The Salvation Army in Orlando is hosting a HOPEsgiving Turkey Drive today, Nov. 24. The drive-through only event will be at 440 W. Colonial Drive from 1 to 3 p.m. The Salvation Army will be giving away 500 turkeys along with a food box to 500 families in need. This event is free to the public, and supplies are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dave Harris and Dr. Phillips Charities are sponsoring our HOPEsgiving Turkey Drive.
In total, The Salvation Armyis expecting to restore the hope of 13,000 people on the week of Thanksgiving. Between the two events, over 200 volunteers will assist with safely preparing and distributing turkeys, food boxes, and meals. To learn more about the available volunteer opportunities or to make a monetary donation, visit the website www.SalvationArmyOrlando.org, or call 407-423-8581.
