Whatcom County organizations and restaurants step up each year to offer free community meals for Thanksgiving. Donations are welcome at most of the events.

Wednesday, Nov. 21

The Salvation Army, 2912 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, is having a turkey dinner open to everyone at 5 p.m. People are asked to RSVP by calling 360-733-1410.

Thanksgiving

Five Columns Restaurant, 1301 E. Maple St., Bellingham, offers traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings served free to those 65 and over from noon to 2 p.m. Restaurant open noon to 8 p.m. for either the Thanksgiving meal or its regular dinner menu at usual prices. Call 360-676-9900 for reservations.

Old Town Cafe , 316 W. Holly St., Bellingham, serves its 40th annual free Thanksgiving dinner for everyone from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event also includes live entertainment throughout the meal service.

American Legion Family Post 86 will serve a free community Thanksgiving feast with a traditional menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G. St. Event is open to everyone.

Good Burger's fifth annual free Thanksgiving dinner will be in a new location - Lee's Drive-In at the corner of James and Alabama streets in Bellingham- this year. Traditional Thanksgiving meal served noon to 3 p.m. (despite the name, Lee's has lots of indoor seating). Good Burger, which has been in Laurel, is in the process of moving to Ferndale.

United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St., provides free turkey dinner with all the trimmings at noon. All are welcome.

Northwest Youth Services will be offering a free community Thanksgiving meal at The PAD, 1020 N. State St., alley entrance, from 4 to 6 p.m. Drop-in times still will be noon to 8 p.m. for hanging out.

The descendants of Arthur and Christine Lane are hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner at 3 p.m. at the Wex'liem community building, 2100 Lummi View Drive, on Lummi Reservation. All are welcome.

Friday, Nov. 23

Lighthouse Mission free community meal will be held noon to 2 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church gym, 2116 Cornwall Ave. Usually about 500 people are served.