Giving thanks is a part of religious traditions, not just around Thanksgiving, but all-year round.
It is thus appropriate for churches and related to groups to host meals at Thanksgiving.
In addition to Thanksgiving Day, there will be at least two meals open to the public on Tuesday.
Years ago, the tradition was to offer the holiday meals for the homeless or needy. While people who fall
into those categories are indeed welcome at most of the area meals, the newer tradition is to make these
meals a community event, open to everyone regardless of their work, home or monetary status.
One such event is the 18th annual Thanksgiving Feast sponsored by Grace Brethren Church and Christ’s
Church in Bowling Green, along with Bowling Green Parks and Recreation.
This popular tradition will be held on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Bowling Green Community Center,
1245 W. Newton Road at Ohio 64.
A full Thanksgiving meal will be served at no cost to anyone. In addition there will be door prizes given
away.
For those needing transportation, the deadline to call is 1:30 p.m. today; however, organizers may be
able to arrange something if needed by calling as soon as possible.
Other meals scheduled include:
¥ The monthly "Fourth Tuesday Meal" at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 23019 Kellogg Road, Grand
Rapids, will be a Thanksgiving Dinner this Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
All are welcome to join the group for a complete meal including turkey, corn casserole, pies and more.

Freewill donations will be accepted.
There will be no "Fourth Tuesday" meal in December, and it will return in January.
¥ Also in Grand Rapids, there will be a free Thanksgiving Day dinner served at First Presbyterian Church,
17700 Beaver St.
This meal is open to anyone in the greater Otsego School District area.
They will be serving a full ham and turkey meal with all the trimmings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Thursday.
"We don’t want anyone to be alone on Thanksgiving or not have a meal due to money," said Lisa
Hatfield, who is one of the organizers of the meal.
Shut-ins who would like a meal delivered to them may call Hatfield at (419) 832-0462. To coordinate a
meal drop-off call by Wednesday at 8 p.m. She also may be able to coordinate transportation to the meal
if needed for local individuals.
¥ Those in northeastern Wood County may wish to attend the Thanksgiving meal to be held at Woodmore High
School’s cafeteria, 633 Fremont St., Elmore, on Thanksgiving Day. The complete holiday meal will be
served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is being coordinated with area churches, civic organizations, local
businesses, school groups and private citizens who will be serving 500 holiday meals.