Get A Free, Hot Thanksgiving Meal At These Toms River Sites

TOMS RIVER, NJ — While Thanksgiving typically conjures up images of family gatherings around a large table filled with food, it isn't what everyone will experience.

Some people have shelter but no way to cook a meal. Others have no family or community to join for dinner.

Local organizations are offering Thanksgiving meals that provide food and a sense of community on Thursday for those in need.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church is providing Thanksgiving meals to go, with assistance from Christ Episcopal Church. Meals can be picked up at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St., Toms River. Call 732-255-4455; meals are to-go only and can be picked up between noon and 4 p.m. Thursday.

Simon's Soup Kitchen, at 168 Grant Ave. in Seaside Heights, is offering to-go and sit-down meals at its site, 168 Grant Ave., from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Thursday.

Rays of Hope/Greater Bethel Church of God in Christ, at 201 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Lakewood, is holding a sit-down meal from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday. 908-244-9000