As Thanksgiving approaches this week, many will be traveling, visiting family and settling in to a traditional Thanksgiving meal. For those who are staying close to home, or in need of food and fellowship during the holiday, there are a number of churches and organizations holding Thanksgiving day celebrations throughout the week.

At the Temple of Jesus Christ, located at 906 W. Eighth St. in Washington, the church is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. While seating is limited and reservations are preferred, according to church member Leesa Jones, the meal is open to anyone in need. To make a reservation, call 252-833-0095 by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The dinner is being hosted by the Gracy-Udoh-Jones Families in memory of Terri Michelle Gracy-Udoh, who passed last year.

In Belhaven, Belhaven Missionary Baptist Church will host a meal for those in need or who don’t have Thanksgiving plans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Congregants cook turkey, ham, collards and all the dishes for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Additionally, the church will deliver plates to rest homes and homebound citizens in need. To schedule a delivery, call the church at 252-943-3102 or Ricky Radcliff at 252-944-5501.

On Nov. 24, Skydive Little Washington will host its 2^nd Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Washington-Warren Field. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and community members are invited to bring a dish and join in.

While some places and organizations are hosting Thanksgiving events, others are doing their part to ensure that area families can have a happy Thanksgiving in their own homes.

At St. John Church of Christ, the congregation held its annual turkey giveaway on Saturday, distributing 250 turkeys, along with all the fixings, to residents of St. John Housing. All told, Pastor Russell Wilkins estimated the church was able to help approximately 300 people enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry is scheduled to hold its regular distribution today, same as they do every Tuesday. According to Eagle’s Wings director Ann-Marie Montague, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving tends to be the organization’s largest distribution of the year, with between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds of food going out the door.