Thanksgiving is a time of family, community, and giving thanks.
Community members and organizations throughout Gary are hosting food drives and free plate giveaways to ensure residents have access to a meal this holiday season and to alleviate stress on community members experiencing food insecurity. Nearly 38% of Gary residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Below is a detailed list of Thanksgiving food pantries, meals, and distributions happening throughout Gary and the surrounding Northwest Indiana communities.
Monday, Nov. 24
Food Bank Mobile Market
St. Timothy Community Church
1600 W. 25th Ave., Gary
3 p.m.
Holiday turkeys will be available at select distributions. First-come, first-served while supplies last.
Kelly’s Soul Kitchen
5025 W. 5th Ave., Gary
3 to 6:30 p.m.
The restaurant and its partners will distribute 400 turkeys on a first-come, first-served basis.
Gobble Gobble Giveaway
4189 Cleveland St., Gary
2 p.m.
Purposely Driven, a local nonprofit, is giving families in need a free turkey and trimmings. For more details, call (888) 591-3332 or email drivenpuposelyinc@gmail.com.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Food Bank Mobile Market
The Cross Church
3616 Elm St., East Chicago
2 p.m.
Holiday turkeys will be available at select distributions. First-come, first-served while supplies last.
City of Gary and Faith CDC Thanksgiving Giveaway
RailCats Stadium, 1 Steelyard Plaza, Gary
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Drive-through, ticketed event for Gary residents only. ID required. One ticket per family.
Ticket pickup locations:
Gary Health Department; City Hall; Wildermuth Library; Gary Public Library; Oak Street Health; Beacon Light Community Church; YWCA; WLTH Radio; Urban League; Kelly’s Soul Kitchen.
Meal includes turkey or ham, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, greens, onions, and celery.
Williams Chapel Church of God
2201 Tennessee St., Gary
Noon to 4 p.m.
Pastor Anthony Williams will be handing out free pre-Thanksgiving dinners to go.
The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps
513 W. Chicago Ave., East Chicago
Noon
The Salvation Army presents a free community Thanksgiving lunch to prepare for the holiday.
Bread of Life Distribution
Faith Temple of Christ
7601 Whitcomb St., Merrillville
5 to 7 p.m.
Turkey giveaway, hot soup, and additional holiday items.
Calumet Township Food Distribution
Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave, Gary
8 a.m.
The trustees are hosting a drive-thru pre-packaged food distribution to prepare for the holidays.
Thursday, Nov. 27
Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria
11319 Broadway, Crown Point
11 a.m.
A “Thanksgiving Classics” meal will be offered.
Greater Life Chapel Outreach Ministries
1241 Richard Gordon Hatcher Blvd., Gary
1 p.m.
The ministry is hosting a Thanksgiving feast. To RSVP for the event, call 219-487-6690 or 219-939-7258.
Christ Center Church
719 Clark Road, Gary
1 p.m.
The church welcomes community members to a warm, festive holiday meal.
Gary residents can find more information about food giveaways and other distributions at www.gary.gov/food-resource-list-2025.