November 14, 2017
Olivia Langley
Thanksgiving is a time for community, giving thanks and good food. Students who can’t make it home for the holiday but still crave that delicious turkey dinner don’t have to look outside of Colorado Springs to celebrate.
Before or after their meal, students can volunteer their time at local charities to help spread thanks.
Where to Dine for Thanksgiving in the Springs
Black-Eyed Pea, located at 501 W Garden of the Gods Rd, will offer a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The meal will cost $15.99, but those who opt for something different can feast on the prime rib dinner for $19.99.
According to Amanda Mills, manager of the Black-Eyed Pea, the restaurant has participated in this Thanksgiving dinner for about 27 years.
“The menu comes from the corporate office. Some of our customers’ favorites around Thanksgiving are the turkey, pot roast, ham and prime rib,” she said.
Another restaurant offering a Thanksgiving feast is The Boston Market. Located at 1015 N. Academy Blvd, this family-friendly restaurant will serve a Thanksgiving meal for $12.99 between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Boston Market also consider themselves as a venue that serves Homestyle cooking, making them a perfect candidate to serve a Thanksgiving meal.
Their holiday meal consists of a variety of options, including chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, ham and dinner rolls.
Where to Give Your Time After Thanksgiving
Giving back to the community and showing your thanks is also a great way to spend your time during the week of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving For Our Neighbors, hosted by the Springs Rescue Mission, will take place on Nov. 23 from 1-11 p.m. at the City Auditorium.
Located at 5 W Las Vegas St., the Springs Rescue Mission helps the community by providing warm meals, clothes and a place to gather in the community, according to their website.
In the last year alone, the charity was able to serve meals to over 1,100 people, provide 148 flu shot vaccinations, hand out 388 turkeys and give at least 400 coats to guests.
Donations are accepted, as well as volunteer work. Students can contact The Springs Rescue Mission at 632-1822 for more information.
Another charity organization accepting donations and seeking volunteers is Colorado Springs’ own Operation Turkey, an organization composed of 20,000 volunteers that seek to give everyone a meal on Thanksgiving.
This year, Operation Turkey’s goal is to serve 50,000 meals. Last year, the organization served 40,000 meals.
The operation will take place at P.F. Chang’s at 1725 Briargate Pkwy. For more information and volunteer opportunities, Operation Turkey can be reached at [email protected].