There are many reasons to be thankful for the place we call home. During the Thanksgiving holiday, there is no shortage of opportunities to give back to your neighbor. These local causes are celebrating the season of giving by helping fill the hearts and bellies of those who may need it most.
Cold Turkey 5K
Each Thanksgiving morning, the Cold Turkey 5K and Fun Run raises money for a local organization. This year’s event will again benefit Special Olympics of Macon County, helping send athletes to the regional games in the spring. For those who won’t be spending Thanksgiving Day in the kitchen, get your morning off to a running start.
The race will be held at the Tassee Shelter at 877 Ulco Drive where runners will “gobble along the Greenway.” Race day registration and bib pickup will begin at 7:30 a.m. For the early birds, you can also pick up your t-shirt and bib on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Tassee Shelter. Registration for the 5K is $30, and the Fun Run/Walk is $15. At 8:30 a.m., contestants of all ages will lead the Fun Run/Walk and the 5K will follow at 9 a.m. The Little Turkeys Fun Run/Walk is for children 10 years and younger.
Awards for the 5K will be presented to the overall first, second and third place male and female finishers, and first through third place in each age division. The Little Turkeys will all receive a completion award and goodie bag, and the first-place finisher will be recognized.
For more information, call 828-421-7637. Visit runsignup.com to preregister or donate.
First Presbyterian Church drive-thru
For those who may not have a place to spend Thanksgiving dinner, First Presbyterian Church invites you to stop by 26 Church Street and pick up a to-go meal. No reservation or preparation is required for this traditional turkey dinner, although donations will gladly be accepted.
First Presbyterian Church provides the community with a Thanksgiving feast each year because they believe that no one deserves to go hungry, especially during the holidays. Curbside pickup will be from 12-2 p.m. on Nov. 24 while supplies last. Follow the posted signs and directions for the drive-thru line, entering Church Street from Iotla Street and exiting onto Harrison Avenue. Volunteers will hand you your pre-packaged meal, so you don’t have to leave your car.
MANNA Community Market
Following the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving holiday, MANNA FoodBank will host its monthly Community Market in Franklin on Monday, Nov. 28 at the Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 Georgia Road. Mountain Area Nutritional Needs Alliance (MANNA) is a nonprofit organization working to end food insecurity in Western North Carolina. Located in Asheville, the organization is also a member of Feeding America. The mobile food pantry distribution was designed to provide residents in rural counties supplemental food resources. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., drive through and pick up fresh produce, grocery staples and other perishable items until supplies last. Please allow space in your vehicle for boxes. Organizers ask that you not arrive before 1 p.m.