Shelter plans Thanksgiving dinner

The public is invited to Laguna Beach’s annual Thanksgiving feast at noon Thursday at Neighborhood Congregational Church.

An estimated 600 to 700 meals will be served buffet-style, according to a news release, with food and supplies provided by individuals, churches and community groups. The efforts will be coordinated by the church and Friendship Shelter, an organization that provides housing and support services for adults.

A small army of carvers will slice hot turkeys and hams, and volunteers will organize the display. Another group will prepare sack lunches to give to the homeless and other needy community members to take home.

“You can’t really describe this day well in words — you have to experience it,” Friendship Shelter Executive Director Dawn Price said in the release. “It’s compassionate, quirky and joyous.This is not us and them. It’s all of us, sitting together, sharing a meal and the company of friends.”

Donations of food, especially cooked turkeys, will be accepted beginning at 11 a.m. Food donors are encouraged to stay and share the meal at the church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive.

For further information or to volunteer, contact Friendship Shelter marketing director Kristin Points at (949) 494-6928 or at kpoints@friendshipshelter.org.

To donate a turkey, contact Mary LaRusso at (949) 228-1954.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce