Even though COVID-19 is changing many of our plans this Thanksgiving, one thing that hasn't changed is the generosity of Western New Yorkers. This week, several local organizations are still finding ways to feed those in need during the holidays.

What You Need To Know

  • People are urged to celebrate Thanksgiving with their immediate household this year due to COVID-19
  • Much of Erie County is in an orange zone due to spike in cases
  • Local organizations are still managing to feed the community this holiday season
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"Like everything else, Thanksgiving looks different this year," said Major Annette Lock, the operations director at the Salvation Army in Buffalo.

But the need is still there. That's why organizations like the Salvation Army are still managing to help out this holiday season, despite COVID-19 restrictions.

"We want to make sure people have a meal," Major Lock said.

The Salvation Army handed out Thanksgiving meals Monday night in downtown Buffalo as part of its Street Feed program.

On Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to noon Western New Yorkers can head to their pantry at 960 Main Street to pick up Thanksgiving food items. Then on Thanksgiving Day, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., they'll be giving take-out meals to anyone who shows up to their doors on Main Street. Anyone is eligible.

Major Lock said, "We don't cancel our services so while it was a bit more challenging this year to be able to put the details together, we feel that this is a way to still provide for the needs in our community." 

Like the Salvation Army, Candles in the SUN is used to hosting gatherings on Thanksgiving. But this year they'll be distributing meals at IKE and BG's restaurant, Engine 23, and the Father Bell Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. 

Dakarai Singletary, the founder of Candles in the SUN, said, "With the three sites, one is uptown, one is downtown, and one is on the West Side. We wanted to ensure that the whole city ate." 

Hygiene kits, weatherization bags, and school supplies will also be available at each site. Giving all this away to people is something Singletary revels in. 

He said, "I have experienced a lot of family and personal loss around the holiday season so for me I do this because it brings my joy. Me to see others happy or to see someone, you can see when a mother is walking up with all her children and she gets that meal, it's a sigh of relief." 

If you'd like to grab a meal before the holiday, you can head over to Gerard Place at 2515 Bailey Avenue Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to grab a take-out meal. 

These are just a few places in Buffalo that will be providing meals to Western New Yorkers this week.