St. Bernardine Medical Center is helping to kick off the holiday spirit a tad early this year.
Beginning at 4 p.m. today (November 23), they’re celebrating their 16th year of providing Thanksgiving dinners for those who might otherwise go without.
The event will be held at the hospital’s Family Focus Center, 1931 N. E St. in San Bernardino.
They’re expecting to serve more than 800 people.
In addition, they’re hosting a free health fair, at which free flu shots, blood pressure checks and dental screenings will be offered. Those attending can also receive health information and mini health kits — which include purifying hand gel and tips on how to remain healthy during flu season — will be given out.
Also, families will also have the opportunity to choose from coats donated through the center’s coat and jacket drive.
Follow the jump to find other volunteer opportunities in the Inland Empire.
Wednesday (November 24)
Victor Valley Rescue Mission in Victorville will hold their annual Thanksgiving banquet for the needy from noon to 2 p.m. at 16611 Tracy St.
The mission expects to serve over 800 people this year.
For more information, call 760-955-6644 or visit their website by clicking here.
Thursday (November 25)
Local restaurateur Jacob Jouni of Jouni’s Catering and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s St. Joseph Conference in Pomona will be serving their 13th annual free Thanksgiving Day meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 1150 W. Holt Ave.
The society is planning to serve more than 500 meals.
Jouni, former owner of Jouni’s Cafe in Upland, is a parishioner at St. Joseph Church and a member of St. Joseph’s American Arab Catholic Community (AACC). He cooks and donates the meal, while the Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Joseph Conference supplies the dessert and other items. The AACC and the Knights of Columbus, Council 877, will also assist with the feast.
For information, call 909-469-9773.
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The Salvation Army of San Bernardino will be serving its community Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Corps headquarters building, 746 W. Fifth St.
The meal will be a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables and pie, much received through donations.
The Salvation Army typically serves between 700 and 900 people.
For volunteer information, call 909-888-1336.
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The Miracle on 6th Street will be serving its eighth annual free Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Silverado Burgers and Mexican Food, 1091 6th St., Norco.
Last year, they served 645 people.
There will be a special performance by country singer Thad Foster.
For more information, visit www.miracleon6thstreet.org, www.myspace.com/miracleon6thstreetnorco, their page on Twitter, call 951-545-3697 or email admin@miracleon6thstreet.