Every Thanksgiving, Indianapolis volunteers roll up their sleeves in church kitchens and community centers to prepare meals for neighbors in need. This year, dozens of churches, charities and local groups are offering free turkey giveaways, meal boxes and sit‑down dinners throughout the city. Below is a consolidated guide to help residents find a meal that fits their schedule.

How to Request a Meal

Most organizations require an online request or a phone call before November 15. After you submit a request, you will receive a call with pick‑up instructions, typically by November 22. Some locations also deliver cooked meals directly to your home.

Locations and Details

• 4900 E. 38th St. – Choose a bag of groceries to cook at home or a fully prepared Thanksgiving meal delivered to you. Fill out the online request form. (Pick‑up in person.)
• The Damien Center, 1420 E. Washington St. – Free lunch with a donation to the Coby Palmer Food Pantry. Sign up online; delivery on November 21.
• Church of the Living God, 7206 E. 38th St. – Residents 55+ in Marion County may receive a free turkey or ham. Email [email protected] or call/text 317‑473‑6584. Sign‑up deadline November 13.
• Living in the Moment Professional Hub, 8383 Craig St. – Indy Juneteenth will hand out turkey baskets while supplies last. (Thursday, Nov. 19, 5‑8 p.m.)
• New Day Pentecostal Church, 1058 N. Miley Ave. – One free turkey per family on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, plus non‑perishable food. (Friday, Nov. 20, 6‑8 p.m.)
• 520 E. Market St. – One basket of food per car for Thanksgiving dinner. (Saturday, Nov. 21, 4‑8 p.m.)
• Watkins Park Family Center, 2360 Dr. MLK Jr. St. – Drive‑up turkey giveaway; volunteers have been serving the community for over 40 years. Call 317‑709‑0984 (Janet Easley) or 317‑361‑5149 (Bobbie Jones) for donations.
• Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive – Free Thanksgiving meal boxes with turkey, sides and dessert. Volunteers accept monetary donations via Venmo (Turkeyday‑Giveaway). (Monday, Nov. 23, 1‑3 p.m.)
• 2850 N. Meridian St. – Law firm Keller & Keller will give away 1,000 turkeys starting at 10 a.m. (Monday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.)
• Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd. – First‑come, first‑served groceries, including turkey and sides. No registration required. (Tuesday, Nov. 24, 5‑7 p.m.)
• Edna Martin Christian Center, 2605 E. 25th St. – Free meals of turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, stuffing, rolls and pie for residents of Martindale‑Brightwood and surrounding neighborhoods. Walk‑up or drive‑through service. (Tuesday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m.)
• Just Wing’n It, 7834 Michigan Rd. – The Crawfords Love Foundation will distribute 200 food baskets and school‑supply backpacks. (Tuesday, Nov. 24, 4 p.m.)
• VFW, 3553 English Ave. – Turkey and sides provided through a partnership between the Big Red Box Project and Urban Restoration LLC. (Thursday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.)
• Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Rd. – Free community meal; eat on site or take food to go. (Thursday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
• Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 E. 29th St. – Sit‑down dinner with turkey, ham and all sides, supported by Elvira’s Outreach and the Jones Lewis Foundation. (Thursday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)

How to Volunteer or Donate

Many of the listed organizations rely on volunteers to pack boxes, serve meals and drive deliveries. If you have time to help, contact the specific location via the phone numbers provided. Monetary donations are also welcomed, often through Venmo or direct contributions to the hosting nonprofit.

Why This Matters

Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday for families facing financial hardship. By pooling resources and offering free meals, Indianapolis churches and community groups embody the spirit of generosity that strengthens neighborhoods and upholds traditional family values. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and to consider giving back in any way they can.

For the most up‑to‑date information, visit each organization’s website or call the listed numbers. Early registration helps ensure you receive a meal before supplies run out.

Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.