St. Ben’s will serve a hot meal on Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
Editor’s note: This list has been updated to include more organizations.
The holidays can be a time of happiness and festivities.
But not for everyone.
For some, it can be hard to feel joyful when they’re strapped for cash and struggling to buy food. Here is a partial list of organizations in Milwaukee that have stepped up to help. We know there has to be more so help us help our neighbors in need. Please email info@milwaukeenns.org if you know of others or comment on Facebook. We will keep this list updated.
1. Ben’s – Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve meals
St. Ben’s Community Meal, 930 W. State St., will host a Thanksgiving Day meal on Thursday, Nov. 28 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The following month, it will host a Christmas Eve meal on Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
The Capuchin Community Services also offer additional meal programs throughout the city. Location sites can be found here.
2. Vincent de Paul Society: meal program
St. Vincent de Paul Society offers a free meal program at two of its locations in Milwaukee. The Cross Roads Kitchen, 931 W. Madison St., serves meals Sunday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Guests can also shower here starting at 4 p.m. The Harambee Kitchen, 2600 N. 2nd St., operates Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Both sites have winter outerwear and holiday events.
3. Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center: holiday meal and toy event
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, 930 W. Historic Mitchell St., is doing a holiday toy event on Thursday, Dec. 12. The application deadline is Thursday, Dec. 5. The first 150 families will receive a turkey and a ham. Toy pickup starts at 10:30 a.m. with dinner to follow at 4 p.m. Healthy snacks and more will be provided throughout the day. For more information contact Alicia Terry at (414) 316-5051 or aterry@gliihc.net.
4. All Saints Catholic Church: hot meals
All Saints Catholic Church, 4051 N. 25th St., will continue serving meals to its guests throughout the holiday season on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registered guests may receive a turkey for Thanksgiving and a food box for Christmas. Hot meals will be served the week of Thanksgiving on Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26.
5. The Gathering: meal program
The Gathering serves meals year-round except for a week around Christmas and New Year’s. It has four locations: Running Rebels, 1300 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Christian Faith Fellowship Church East, 724 S. Layton Blvd., Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 8424 W. Center St. and Our Next Generation Neighborhood Center, 3421 W. Lisbon Ave.,
It offers breakfast at Running Rebels Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch is served at all four locations on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dinner is served Monday and Wednesday at Christian Faith Fellowship Church East from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
6. The Salvation Army: hot meal
The Salvation Army will be hosting its 30th annual Christmas Family Feast on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25. The meal is a traditional home style dinner and can serve more than 8,000 people. It will be hosted at the Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be making an appearance to greet guests and hand out gifts, while supplies last. More details to come.
7. Metcalfe Park Community Bridges and the Dominican Center: holiday meal baskets
Metcalfe Park Community Bridges and the Dominican Center are distributing holiday meal baskets to 200 families living in the Metcalfe Park and Amani neighborhoods. Volunteers will be handing out the baskets at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., on Friday, Nov. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other essential resources such as blankets, hats, gloves, soap, toothbrushes and more will be handed out during the event as well.
For a list of food pantries click here. Please note that some pantries require a form of ID and a piece of mail. In case of an emergency or for additional information, call or text 2-1-1.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Are we missing an organization, church or place that helps those in need? Comment below or send an email to info@milwaukeenns.org.
Ana is the community engagement reporter and beat reporter for neighborhood groups and nonprofits. As the community engagement reporter, Ana is known for writing five things to know/do for the week and weekend, how to articles and spotlight articles. Ana attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and graduated in 2017 with degrees in Spanish and journalism.
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