Thanksgiving dinner is an experience few students wouldvoluntarily give up, but for those who can't make it home fordinner, there are other options.
The River's Edge, located at 3625 Midland Ave., and ResidenceLife and Dining Services will host a Thanksgiving dinner forUniversity of Memphis students from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thanksgivingday.
"We get all types of students who could not make it home butmostly international students," said Troy Ann Poulopoulos, directorof the River's Edge, a combined Presbyterian and Methodist campusministry.
A little further away is the Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova,which will host its annual college Thanksgiving Day breakfast atthe Shoney's at Sycamore View and Summer Avenue from 8 a.m. to 10a.m. Following breakfast, students have the opportunity to helpothers.
"We encourage all college students to come and eat" and thenvolunteer to hand out Thanksgiving dinner with the Second UnionMissions, said Rob Mullins director of the Bellevue CollegeMinistry.
St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 480 South Highland Street,will host a dinner Saturday at 4:30 p.m., as part of their weeklydinners.
The University of Memphis Holliday Inn, 3700 Central Ave., willhost a Thanksgiving Day Champagne Buffet at a 10 percent discountfor students with a valid student ID. Non-student prices are $22.45for adults and $17.95 for seniors. Reservations are required forthree seating times. For more information, contact 678-5410.
There are also various opportunities for students to helporganizations and church groups on Thanksgiving and overThanksgiving weekend.
The largest Thanksgiving dinner of this kind is the annualMemphis Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the Homeless and Hungry helddowntown. For volunteering information, contact the City of MemphisMayor's Office at 576-6007.
Second Union Mission Inc., 383 Poplar Ave., is another volunteerorganization that will distribute Thanksgiving meals for thehomeless and hungry. Those interested in volunteering shouldcontact Second Union Mission Inc. at 526-8403.
