It may be hard to focus on being thankful when so much has been lost during the Camp Fire, but a respectful dose of gratitude for those who have survived and those helping in the recovery is definitely in order. Bringing the community together to eat, hug, cry and raise a glass is important, and there are a handful of groups and businesses putting on big holiday productions and inviting everyone impacted by the fires to join. The biggest is the Thanksgiving Together event taking place at three locations in Chico and hosted by the town of Paradise—with food donated by World Central Kitchen and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. There also are a host of smaller events spread out around the county, and there undoubtedly will be more people and places inviting their neighbors to the table.
As of deadline, this is what’s on tap for holiday meals today and tomorrow (Nov. 21-22).
Wednesday, Nov. 21
El Medio Fire Department, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
The Oroville Rescue Mission is organizing a community banquet for evacuees, volunteers or anyone experiencing need during the holiday season.
3515 Meyers St., Oroville
Thursday, Nov. 22
Gridley Veterans Memorial Hall, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A warm meal for Camp Fire evacuees and first responders organized by Shasta J.E.M., a Redding group honoring the memory of loved ones who died in the Carr Fire.
249 Sycamore St., Gridley
Town of Paradise: Thanksgiving Together, four seatings: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The town of Paradise has teamed up with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., World Central Kitchen, Chico State and the Associated Students to feed anyone impacted by the Camp Fire. Meals will be served at three locations: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Sutter Dining Hall and the BMU Auditorium at Chico State. Additionally, the World Central Kitchen will serve a Thanksgiving meal at all Red Cross shelters and the various volunteer and first-responder locations where the organization has already been serving 10,000 meals a day since the crisis began.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 1075 E. 20th St.; Chico State Sutter Dining Hall, Warner Street and Legion Avenue; Chico State BMU Auditorium, Chestnut and West Second streets; search “Thanksgiving Together” on Facebook.
Southside Oroville Community Center, 11 a.m.
A down-home Southern Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings presented by the Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association. Baked turkey, fried turkey and plenty of dessert. Everyone is welcome.
2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville
Gold Country Casino & Hotel,11 a.m-8 p.m.
A complimentary Thanksgiving buffet for all Camp Fire evacuees and first responders.
4020 Olive Highway, Oroville
Durham Memorial Hall, two seatings:2 and 4 p.m.
The Camp Fire Community Thanksgiving dinner for evacuees and others affected by the fire.
9319 Midway, Durham
Buffalo Wild Wings, 3-7 p.m.
Complimentary traditional Thanksgiving dinner for first responders and those displaced by the Camp Fire. Reservations required. Call 592-3251, ask for Oskar or Jakob.
845 East Ave.