(From left to right) Major Mark Mackneer, Bill Young, Jerry Johns, Captain Dave Rhodes, and Captain Dan Alverio

It is the Thanksgiving that almost was not.  For nearly 20 years, hundreds of families in need across Allegheny County have enjoyed a hot, home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner at their local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center.  This year, when donor resources dried up, the community dinners were almost cancelled.
 
Thanks to the generosity of Bottom Dollar Food, the Thanksgiving dinners are back on and scheduled as planned.  The discount grocer will be distributing 300 turkeys from its Carnegie (Scott Township) location to Salvation Army staff to support its 11 Allegheny County meals.  “When one door closes, another opens,” said Major William H. Bode, The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander.  “We were blessed that the good people at Bottom Dollar Food were standing on the other side and eager to help.”
 
Bottom Dollar Food is discount grocer offering unbelievable prices on fresh produce, quality meats, private brands and the national brands that matter most to its customers. This year, Bottom Dollar Food expanded into the greater Pittsburgh market, opening nine stores throughout Allegheny County, as well as four additional locations in Beaver and Butler counties.
 
“At Bottom Dollar Food, we have a passion for helping our communities, and we are pleased to support The Salvation Army in its efforts to provide Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of local families in need,” said Nick Siniscalchi, director of operations for Bottom Dollar Food stores in the greater Pittsburgh area.
 
The Salvation Army will be serving 11 holiday dinners in Allegheny County.  Eight are open to the public and three are private and are being provided to the residents of its Family Caring Center, Harbor Light Center and Adult Rehabilitation Center.  Those interested in volunteering or attending should first call the below location of choice:

 
November 15 at 4:30 pm - East Liberty Family Caring Center Thanksgiving Dinner for Residents
The Family Caring Center will prepare and serve a Thanksgiving Dinner for its residents.  
Family Caring Center @ 6017 Broad Street
Major Asenath Clarke, FCC Director @ 412-362-0891 X103
 
November 15 at 6:00 thru 8:00 pm - Westside Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Westside Worship and Service Center @ 1821 Broadhead Fording Road, Pittsburgh
Lieutenants Chaz and Yulanda Williams, Westside Commanding Officers @ 412-921-9780
 
November 16 at 6:00 thru 8:00 pm - Homewood/Brushton Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Homewood/Brushton Worship and Service Center @ 8020 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh
Captain Vangerl Dupigny, Homewood/Brushton Commanding Officer @ 412-242-1434
 
November 18 at 1:00 thru 3:00 pm - Pittsburgh Temple Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Pittsburgh Temple Worship and Service Center @ 1060 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh
Majors Paul and Sherrylyn Moore, Pittsburgh Temple Commanding Officers @ 412-207-2127
 
November 18 at 4:00 pm - 6PM – Allegheny Valley Worship and Service Center Community Thanksgiving Dinner 
Call to reserve your spot!
Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Worship and Service @ 917 Brackenridge Avenue in Brackenridge
Captains Rickie and Pamela Armour, Allegheny Valley Commanding Officers @ 724-224-6310
 
November 20 at 6:00 pm thru 8:00 pm – Steel Valley Worship and Service Center Thanksgiving Dinner
The Salvation Army Steel Valley Worship and Service Center @ 104 East 9th Avenue
Captain James and Lori Brown, Steel Valley Commanding Officers @ 412-461-2460
 
November 22 at 11:00 am - 2:00 pm- Braddock Worship and Service Center Community Thanksgiving Meal.  The Braddock Salvation Army will be holding a Thanksgiving meal, on Thanksgiving Day.  Hot Turkey with all of the trimmings will be served.  Volunteer space is limited, so call ASAP to join us in serving the less fortunate of our community.  All are welcome to join us for a wonderful meal.
Captain Christopher and Jennifer Blessing, Braddock Commanding Officers @ (412)271-2407
 
November 22 at 12:00 pm thru 1:00 pm – McKeesport Holiday Dinner
Volunteers needed to help prepare, serve meal to city’s homeless.  Volunteers needed to clean up, also.
Salvation Army McKeesport Worship and Service Center @ 812 Walnut Street  
Majors Sean and Andrea Barton, McKeesport Commanding Officers @ 412-673-6627