Carson City Community Thanksgiving promises food and friends

Carson City residents are invited to enjoy a free meal at the Carson Nugget’s 64^th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast this Thursday.
“We normally get 800-1,000 people who come through. We have no idea what we’re going to see with COVID looming around us … but we hope the numbers will be comparable to that,” Jim Peckham, executive director of FISH, said in a phone interview with the Appeal.
FISH has been a partner in the feast for several years. They help supply turkeys and volunteers to run the meal, while the Nugget and other partners bring side dishes.
Community turnout was low during 2020, when Thanksgiving at the Nugget was held to-go style to accommodate COVID-19 safety guidelines. But Peckham is hoping for a rebound this year, especially as residents face a new pandemic problem: loneliness.

“We know that a lot of the participants, as much as anything, want to feel a part of the holiday,” Peckham said.

He’s seen folks come through the Nugget who don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with. Some of them put money toward their meal, explaining that they’re not in need of a free meal, but want company and opportunity to socialize.

“The event is an annual tradition that feeds the community and feeds many residents of Carson City including seniors and veterans,” said Dean DiLullo, the owner of the Carson Nugget who has been a part of the Thanksgiving feast for many years. This event is made possible by F.I.S.H. in collaboration with the Carson Nugget, A Catered Affaire Busboy Mobile Cuisine, and Nevada Nosh.

The community Thanksgiving celebration offers just that, food and friends.

The free meal will go from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Nugget on 507 N. Carson St.

FISH has more than enough helping hands for the Community Thanksgiving Feast, but folks who would like to offer time or donations throughout the winter season may visit www.nvfish.com or call 775-882-3474 for ways to give.