Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful, surrounding yourself with loved ones and, of course, food.
However, this isn’t always the reality for everyone, so Cherokee County has stepped up to find ways to create community and ensure everyone has a hot meal for the holiday.
Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties and the Rotary Club of Murphy have partnered with Main Street USA to cook their annual free Thanksgiving dinner. This dinner is open to everyone.
Meals will be at Main Street, 85 Hiawassee St. in downtown Murphy, from 10-11 a.m. Thursday. Public servants can either drive-through or walk-through to pick up their meals.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all other residents are welcome to drive-thru or walk-thru to collect meals. Those coming can collect meals for their whole family – just know the number you will need before arriving.
Several local churches will also be holding free Thanksgiving meals, welcoming all to join them for food and fellowship:
* Murphy Free Methodist Church, 422 Valley River Ave. next to the U.S. Post Office in Murphy, will host lunch starting at noon.
* Murphy Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1576 Ranger Road on the hill behind Cherokee Guns, will host lunch at 1 p.m.
In honor of the holiday of giving, Lifetime Kia at 4170 U.S. 64 W. will collect donations for local food banks through Saturday. Their initial goal was to collect enough donations to fill a car, but after an outpouring of generosity from the community they’re trying to fill as many as they can.
Kia is collecting hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.), individually packaged snacks (goldfish, fruit cups, crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, etc.) and non-perishable food items (canned goods, pasta, pasta sauce, condiments, rice, etc.). Those who donate 10 items will receive 5% off of services, while those who donate 11 or more items will receive 10% off of services.