July 05, 2025
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Free Thanksgiving dinners across the Illinois Valley

A list of free meals offered during Thanksgiving

By Shaw Local News Network
Guests enjoy being served a Thanksgiving meal during the 2nd Annual Fox Lake Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake. Tanya and Tim Hill, of Fox Lake, Kim Lunstrom, of Grayslake and many other volunteers and community leaders helped to prepare and serve the dinner.

A listing of free meals offered during Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. (Candace H.Johnson)

A list of free meals offered during Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, across La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties.

Magnolia

The Magnolia United Methodist Church, 150 W. Prairie St., will host a free dinner at 12:30 p.m. The meal will be provided, however, participants may bring salads, vegetables, fruits and desserts. The church is chair lift accessible. This event is open to any who desire a family-like time of companionship.

Marseilles

The Marseilles Ministerial Association Community Center, 850 W. Bluff St., will host a free dinner noon to 2 p.m. Anyone attending should text 773-931-3775 to let organizers know you will be there.

Peru

Zion United Church of Christ in Peru will host a free meal in the church hall at the corner of Sixth and Grant streets in Peru. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the meal will be served about noon to 2 p.m. Diners can enjoy football on the big screen, with table games and cards after the meal.

The free hot meal includes turkey and all the trimmings. Everyone is invited to enjoy food and fellowship. No reservations are necessary, but call 815-223-2671 with questions.

The Right Spice, 2102 Fourth St., Peru, also is offering a free dine-in turkey dinner with all the trimmings, dessert and coffee or soda from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in partnership with the Schimmer Ford family. The dinner is intended for anyone in need or anyone who has no one to share the holiday with. Reservations are not required.

Princeton

The Evangelical Covenant Church, New Hope Nazarene Church and St. Louis Catholic Church will be providing a free dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 24 N. Main St. in Princeton.

There will be no dine-in option this year as meals will be available for curbside pickup or delivered to a home within a 15-mile radius of Princeton. The meal will consist of turkey, mash potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, dinner roll and a choice of apple or pumpkin pie.

To register for this event, visit eccprinceton.org/Thanksgiving or call Tad Smith at 815-878-5473 by 5 p.m. Nov. 23. A free-will offering will be taken and will benefit Our Table, a dinner ministry served at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton.

Ottawa

Sunfield Restaurant, 2754 Columbus St., is offering a free Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Streator

A free luncheon will is scheduled for 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 509 E. Broadway St. There also will be carryouts and delivery available.

Reservations are needed by Monday, Nov. 21, whether anyone plans to carry out, receive delivery or dine-in.

Call the Central Church of Christ office at 815-673-1581 to makes reservations 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. The event is sponsored by the Streator Ministerial Association.

Additionally, Al’s Place,1603 N. Bloomington St., Streator, is offering free turkey dinners. The dine-in-only dinners will include soup, sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and dessert. Carry out, delivery and regular menu items will be available at regular price. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free turkey dinners will be served beginning at 11 a.m.

  • If there is a free Thanksgiving dinner not listed, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com before Tuesday, Nov. 22, and we will publish the information before Thanksgiving.