Thanksgiving on the West Side: Gatherings, Giveaways, and Community Meals

Thursday, November 20

1. Community Thanksgiving Celebration with Ald. Emma Mitts & Westside Health Authority

12–3 p.m.
Intentional Sports, 1841 N. Laramie Ave., Austin
Ald. Mitts, WHA, and the Good Neighbor Campaign host a free Thanksgiving gathering open to all West Side residents.

2. BUILD Flag Football Turkey Bowl (11th Annual)

3–7 p.m.
Columbus Park Field, 500 S. Central Ave., Austin
BUILD’s annual pre-Thanksgiving tradition returns with three youth games (ages 11–15) and one adult game (18+).
Free refreshments. All are welcome.
Contact: semajbunch@buildchicago.org

3. Island Community Association Community Potluck

6–7 p.m.
New Jehovah Church, Austin & Filmore
The ICA closes out its year with a community-wide potluck. Bring a dish if you can — everyone is welcome.

Saturday, November 22

4. Michele Clark HS Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Michele Clark HS, 5101 W. Harrison St., Austin
One turkey or ham per household. Must be present.
Hosted with partners including BUILD, Fathers Who Care, and NAACP Westside Branch.

5. Drive-Thru Turkey Give-Out

10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Parking lot of 1140 N. Lamon Ave., Austin
A simple line-up: pull in, grab a turkey, and pull out. Sponsored by multiple West Side partners.

6. HOPE Community Church Turkey Giveaway

9 a.m.
5900 W. Iowa St., Austin
Drive-thru or walk-up. First come, first served.

7. Congressman Danny K. Davis & Partners Turkey Giveaway

10 a.m.–2 p.m.
2813 W. 5th Ave., West Garfield Park
Hosted by Rep. Danny Davis, Rep. LaShawn Ford, Gerard Moorer, and Hunger Hunt International.
Contact: Jackie Greer, (773) 505-4002.

8. Reclaiming Care: Warm Meals, Coats & Essentials

11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Alt Space Chicago, 5645 W. Corcoran Pl., Austin
Warm meals, blankets, coats, community care, and volunteer support. Donations encouraged.

9. Community Friendsgiving Charity Event

12–4 p.m.
Garfield Park Community Plaza, 4008 W. Madison St.
Hosted by Madison Business Association. Family-friendly and open to all.

Sunday, November 23

10. Veterans & Community Holiday Food Giveaway

1–3 p.m. (while supplies last)
Bank of America Financial Center parking lot, Ashland & Roosevelt
Hosted by America’s Heroes Group with Rep. Danny Davis and Chris & Sheila Kennedy to support veterans and families.