How To Volunteer on Thanksgiving
Blanchet House is closed on Thanksgiving, but don’t let that stop you from making a positive impact. There are still many meaningful ways to help your community this Thanksgiving besides serving meals.
- Make care kits or sack lunches from home with your family. Email us at [email protected] if slots are full, we can almost always use more!
- Host a clothing drive at your gathering. Ask your guests to bring an item from our list.
- Give thanks on a different day of the year! We need volunteers every day. Sign up here.
- Other organizations may have volunteer openings, but keep in mind that Thanksgiving is a very popular day to serve, so spots often fill months in advance. Check out Hands On Greater Portland or contact the organizations listed below.
Where to Eat for Free on Thanksgiving
Blanchet House’s cafe is closed on Thanksgiving Day but we have compiled a list of other places offering meals. Please confirm with the organizations listed. Some kitchens serve a traditional Thanksgiving plate of food but others may offer something else.
Last updated: 11/21/2025
River City Church
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, Dine in and drive-thru service is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 2400 E Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver.
(Thanksgiving Day Tamale Lunch)
American Legion Post 180
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, Dine in service is from 1-4 p.m.
Location: 2146 SE Monroe St. in Milwaukie
All People’s Community Meal
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, Dine in service is from 4-6 p.m.
Location: The Heights in SE PDX, 8057 SE Monroe St, Milwaukie, OR 97222
Sign up to volunteer at https://tinyurl.com/AllPeoplesMeal25Volunteer
Proper’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, 12-4 p.m. at Poshines Cafe De La Soul
Location: 8139 N. Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Contact ProperPDX.org
City Team
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: 209 NW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR
Contact http://cityteam.org
Portland Rescue Mission
A Thanksgiving meal will be served on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, 5:45 p.m.
Regular meal services will be open on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
- Breakfast – 7 a.m.
- Dinner – 6 p.m.
Location: 111 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
Contact https://portlandrescuemission.org/
Union Gospel Mission
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: 3 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Contact https://ugmportland.org/
503-274-4483
St. John the Apostle Church (Oregon City)
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, Takeout 11:30 to 1. Dine in 11:30 to 2:00
Location: 417 Washington St, Oregon City, OR 97045
Contact https://www.sja-catholicchurch.com/
We will update this list as we learn about confirmed meal providers. If you want to be added to our list please let us know at [email protected].
Collect or Make Warm Clothing
- Knit or crochet hats for adults experiencing homelessness.
- Hold a drive to collect gently used and new adult-sized socks, gloves, beanies, or other cold-weather items.
Learn more about the types of clothing we need and drop-off hours. Email us at [email protected] with questions or to let us know your plans.
Make Care Kits
Pack hygiene supplies and more. They will be distributed to guests at Blanchet House. Learn More
Make Sack Lunches
Sign up to donate sack lunches that will be given out on Saturday at Blanchet House. Learn More
