As the holiday season approaches, volunteers are preparing for two locally traditional examples of thankfulness and giving. The Ocean Shores Lions Club will again host a free community Thanksgiving meal and the Ocean Shores Food Bank will again offer a special distribution of free food for family feasts.

The Food Bank, located at 846 Anchor Ave. NW, will run a special, pre-Thanksgiving food distribution on Tuesday, November 21, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Turkeys and a variety of traditional holiday meal items will be offered.

Last year, 231 families, totaling about 700 people, received their Thanksgiving fixings from the food bank. Executive Director Sandy Harley said they expect the number to rise again this year.

“We’ve already ordered 245 turkeys and 20 turkey breasts, and I’m thinking we may need to order more,” she said. For those who don’t want to engage in elaborate cooking, but still want some Thanksgiving turkey, the Food Bank offers frozen “TV dinner-style” turkey dinners.

The local non-profit will also do a special Christmas food distribution, this one featuring holiday hams, on Friday, December 22, from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

At the Lions Club, located at 832 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW, Ernie and Leona Nelson are once again coordinating the free holiday meal that is open to all on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Upwards of 40 volunteers make the event possible, with turkeys donated by Ocean Shores IGA, Brookdale Ocean Shores and Quinault Beach Resort & Casino, hams from the Ocean Shores Elks Lodge and desserts from the local Mormon church.

Last year, about 350 people were served at the Lions Club, and another 83 enjoyed meals that were delivered to their homes by volunteers. Home delivery will be offered again this year. Call Ernie or Leona at 360-289-2314 no later than Wednesday, November 22, to schedule for your home.

“Be sure to tell everyone that children are welcome, too,” she said. “This is a family thing and everyone is invited.”