Community offers Thanksgiving alternatives to stranded students

When students are kept on campus for Thanksgiving–whether it be because of money, distance, or the proximity to Christmas–no student should be met with closed caf doors and a box of crackers. The Costa Mesa community has many alternatives for students who may be left without a Thanksgiving dinner.

Many students opt to visit with a friend or roommate, but for others this is not an option. Thankfully, there are other alternatives close to Vanguard.

One option is Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Calvary Chapel is hosting a Thanksgiving event on Thursday, Nov. 22, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The dinner will be held in their fellowship hall: it’s free and college-student friendly. Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa is located at 3800 South Fairview Street, Santa Ana.

In addition, there is the option to help prepare the meal or serve it. More information about the event can be found on their website at calvarychapelcostamesa.com.

Another alternative is Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, located at 720 West 19 Street, Costa Mesa. Located near the Triangle Square, Someone Cares Soup Kitchen hosts a Thanksgiving meal annually on Thanksgiving day open to everyone and anyone. Also only a short drive away, their thanksgiving dinner is served from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and, much like Calvary Chapel, there is the opportunity to volunteer and serve for the meal.

If you are looking to get out of the Costa Mesa sphere, then His Place Church at 14061 Chestnut Street, Westminster, may be the right option. His Place Church will host a Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a. m. to 3 p.m. on the afternoon of Nov. 22.

Not being able to go home for Thanksgiving is not ideal, but it does not have to be no fun. Even if students cannot go home for the holiday, there are alternative places to celebrate Thanksgiving, remember and acknowledge all the things in life to be thankful for, and, of course, stuff themselves like the turkey they’re eating.