There’s something special about locals who don’t take the day off to relax but choose to feed the hungry and feed hungry diners at restaurants on Thanksgiving.
They have a way of making you feel like you’re where you belong.
Not only are restaurants open Thanksgiving, but local nonprofits and churches serve meals this Thanksgiving season.
Here’s a list of places serving food and cheer on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, and around that time; some cost money but others can be enjoyed for free.
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties (UWLS) will host a distribution of free Thanksgiving meal kits on Saturday, Nov. 16, UWLS, in partnership with Farmshare, at Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg.
Interested in volunteering? Volunteers arrive at the mall at 7 a.m. Food distribution begins at 10 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
If you can’t volunteer, you can give to the “United We Give” campaign. Donations will help fund essential items, such as turkeys and other protein options, for families in need. Contributions can be made online at uwls.org/donate/ .