×

Several sites plan to serve free meals for Thanksgiving

Some have deadlines soon for orders

Grace United Methodist Church in Norway will again offer its Thanksgiving meal from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. Church meal coordinator Chris Spence and volunteer Joanne Larsen get items ready for the dinner. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Area organizations and churches will continue the annual Thanksgiving tradition of providing a free Thanksgiving meal to its community members.

IRON MOUNTAIN

Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson will prepare a complimentary, freshly prepared Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

The meal is available to anyone who is alone for the holiday, unable to cook on their own or cannot leave their home to be with family or friends.

“Aligned with our mission to care, comfort, and cure, we are proud to support community members who may lack the resources or physical ability to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” said Joe Rizzo, director of public relations and business development.

Joe Rizzo, director of public relations and business development at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, gets boxes of meals ready for delivery in 2024. Last year the hospital served 540 meals. (Courtesy photo)

The meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, dinner roll and a slice of pumpkin pie.

Curbside pick-up is available from 4 to 5 p.m. and those who wish a meal delivered will receive them from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

To order a meal for pick-up or delivery, call 906-776-5500 from 8 a.m. to noon now through Friday.

The local hospital has provided some form of a Thanksgiving meal for at least the past 30 years.

“While responses vary when asked, this tradition has remained consistent,” Rizzo said. “Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve transitioned to offering meals exclusively through pick-up or delivery. This approach allows us to continue sharing a holiday meal while prioritizing the health and safety of our community.”

Patti Mattson of Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson wheels out prepared Thanksgiving meals to be delivered in November 2024. (Courtesy photo)

In 2024, the medical center served more than 540 Thanksgiving meals, Rizzo said, adding they anticipate matching or surpassing that number this year.

“For the more than 540 individuals who received a meal in 2024, it meant a great deal,” Rizzo said. “Each year, the feedback and expressions of gratitude we receive are truly heartwarming. Knowing that we’re helping someone enjoy their holiday in a meaningful way is deeply rewarding.”

NORWAY

Grace United Methodist Church in Norway will once again offer its Thanksgiving meal from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. Attendees will enjoy a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole and apple crisp.

“The meals program has continued to grow — last year we served 275 Thanksgiving dinners,” meal coordinator Chris Spence said.

The meal is free, with a donation basket available to anyone who wishes to contribute, Spence said.

Dinners will be available for take-out at the church parking lot or for delivery in the Norway-Vulcan area.

Reservations are required by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, so enough food can be prepared. To place a meal order or have a meal delivered, call Spence at 906-282-9752

The church, at 130 Odill Drive behind the Jake Menghini Museum, is known as Crossroads, a facility shared by Grace United Methodist and Bethany Lutheran churches.

CRYSTAL FALLS

The annual Crystal Falls Community Thanksgiving dinner for residents of Alpha, Amasa and Crystal Falls will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church Hall in Crystal Falls.

Everyone is welcome to gather to dine in or have a meal delivered.

A traditional turkey meal will be served, along with having music, door prizes and fellowship.

Meal delivery is available to those unable to attend the dinner, especially who are ill or elderly. To order a meal, call 906-284-0733 by Monday, Nov. 17.

Volunteers are still needed to help with food delivery and clean-up. Those interested can call Chris Sommers at 906-284-0733.

Guardian Angels Church is at 412 Crystal Ave.

IRON RIVER

Everyone is welcome to a free traditional Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Iron River Community Center.

The meal was made possible by the generous support and donations by area businesses, individuals and churches.

Pre-orders are available for homebound individuals or those who need transportation. Contact Marie Mattson at 715-372-8347 by noon Monday, Nov. 19, to order and schedule delivery.

Volunteers are also needed. For more information on volunteering, contact Nancy or Doug Thyberg at 715-372-5249.

PEMBINE, Wis.

The Pembine Area Christians will host its 25th-annual Community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at the Mercy Church, W8046 Aspen Lane in Pembine.

The public is welcome. No reservations are required.

There is no cost for the meal. A free-will offering container will be available for those wishing to contribute.

For more information, call Mandy McLain at 715-548-1751.

MARINETTE, Wis.

The Salvation Army of Marinette, Wis. is offering a free community Thanksgiving dinner from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25. Community members can join them in person at The Salvation Army, at 80 W. Russell St.

Dinner is also available to-go or for delivery. Call 715-735-7448 to make a reservation.

Monetary and food donations will be accepted or mailed to P.O. Box 495 Marinette, WI 54143. Go to The Salvation Army Marinette Facebook page for more information or to see more upcoming events in the Marinette, Wis. and Menominee, area.

CRIVITZ, Wis.

The Northwoods Apostolic Church will host its annual Community Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Crivitz Village Hall, 800 Henriette Ave.

The traditional meal — consisting of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, stuffing, cranberries, pies and more — is open to everyone.

There is no cost for the meal. Delivery is available in the local area. Reservations can be made by calling the church at 715-938-4935. Reservations are not necessary, but would be appreciated.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

Starting at $3.50/week.

Subscribe Today