Celebrate Thanksgiving by participating in a morning run, walk or jog at the 32nd annual Run to Feed the Hungry 5K or 10K. Photo courtesy of Run to Feed the Hungry

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – As the weather turns colder, it’s clear that the holiday season is here, a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the festivities ahead.

With Thanksgiving Day approaching on Nov. 27, several events and activities across the Sacramento area are offering residents an opportunity to give back, share a meal or simply enjoy time together.

Run to Feed the Hungry

For those looking to give back while getting some steps in, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services will host its 32nd annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving morning (8 to 11:30 a.m.). The long-standing Sacramento tradition, presented by KCRA/My58, offers participants the option to run, walk or jog a 5K or 10K course.

This family-friendly event helps raise funds and awareness about hunger in the community. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, which has served Sacramento County for more than 49 years, notes that the demand for food assistance has never been greater.

Whether you choose to run or walk, donate to a team or start your own fundraiser, every dollar raised will help feed the more than one in four Sacramentans at risk of hunger. For more information or to register, visit runtofeedthehungry.com.

Holiday Food Distribution

River City Food Bank is helping make the holidays brighter with its Holiday Food Distribution, which provides healthy groceries for families in need.

Two distribution events are planned. One is at an Arden location, The Center at St. Matthew’s 2300 Edison Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and another is at the Midtown location, 1800 28th St., from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Those looking to help can contribute to the cause by donating at rivercityfoodbank.givingfuel.com/donate, ensuring that more families have a Thanksgiving meal to enjoy this season.

Those looking to help can contribute to the cause by donating at rivercityfoodbank.givingfuel.com/donate, helping ensure that more families have a Thanksgiving meal to enjoy this season. Photo courtesy of River City Food Bank

Share the Holiday Cheer

Since 1983, Sacramento Loaves & Fishes has provided homeless survival services and continues its mission this Thanksgiving by collecting donations to serve hearty holiday meals to its guests.

Requested donations include frozen turkeys, marshmallows, apple juice, store-bought pies, whipped cream, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and dry stuffing mix. Due to county regulations, home-cooked food cannot be accepted.

Donations can be delivered between now and Nov. 23. For fresh bakery items such as pies, deliveries are recommended between Nov. 21 and 23 to ensure freshness through the holiday.

Drop-off hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends at the organization’s warehouse, 1251 North C St.

The warehouse will be closed Nov. 29 and Nov. 30. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 13495, Sacramento, CA 95813, or made online at sacloaves.org. For questions, call 916-446-0874.

Dine Out for Thanksgiving

Looking to skip the stress of cooking this year? Several local restaurants are offering Thanksgiving meals to either enjoy in-restaurant or at home with family and friends.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex, 1369 Garden Highway, will feature a Thanksgiving buffet complete with a roasted turkey and ham carving station, unlimited champagne and mimosas, and an array of sides including apple-jalapeño stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, a taco station and dessert bar. Prices are $43.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. For more details, visit chevys.com/open-thanksgiving.

Yard House, 405 K St. Suite 100, will offer two turkey options of classic sliced turkey with gravy or fried Nashville hot turkey, both starting at $29.99 for adults and $13.99 for children 12 and under. Plates include parmesan mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, mac and cheese, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and a choice of pumpkin praline cheesecake or Oreo sundae for dessert. More details are at yardhouse.com/events/thanksgiving.

At The Firehouse Restaurant, 1112 Second St., guests can enjoy a three-course Thanksgiving menu for $99 per person and $45.95 for young patrons. The menu includes a Bloomsdale spinach salad, a choice of roasted breast of free-range turkey, pan-roasted Alaskan halibut, filet mignon or braised sweet potato and ricotta ravioli. Dessert options include Old World carrot cake and pumpkin cheesecake.

Reservations can be made at firehouseoldsac.com/thanksgiving-menu or by calling 916-442-4772.

For those wanting a festive dining experience with a view can celebrate Thanksgiving aboard the historic Delta King Riverboat, 1000 Front St., from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 27. Photo courtesy of Delta King Riverboat

Friendsgiving and Riverfront Dining

For a more casual celebration, Crawdads on the River will host its 10th annual Friendsgiving event at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 1375 Garden Highway. The evening will include food, music from deejay NADZ and plenty of time to share stories and make memories with friends. Register for the event at bit.ly/4i1Zrm7 (case sensitive).

Finally, those wanting a festive dining experience with a view can celebrate Thanksgiving aboard the historic Delta King Riverboat, 1000 Front St. Guests can enjoy a buffet with roasted turkey, prime rib, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and seasonal desserts, including pumpkin pie. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Tickets are $70 for adults and $28 for children ages 12 and under.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 916-444-8052.