MONDAY, NOV. 25

Join the Long Beach community at the 12th annual Serving with a Thankful Heart banquet, put on by Vice Mayor Dee Andrews and the 6th District. Two sittings, lunch and dinner, will be held Monday for anyone and everyone either wanting a traditional Thanksgiving meal or willing to serve one.

“I am so thankful for the community and hospitality spirit that comes together for this event,” Andrews said in a statement. “The residents look forward to it every year and it is a gathering of positivity.”

Last year’s banquet brought out long lines, high fives and a real sense of community, with more than 3,000 meals served. City officials, from Mayor Robert Garcia to Congressman Alan Lowenthal, mingled with community members that day, while volunteers, friends and family from Long Beach Poly, partnering hotels and more served up hot Thanksgiving meals.

Another great thing: This will be a hotel-quality banquet, according to Karen Faulkner of the Hyatt, just one of many partners involved with putting on the annual event. Other partners include the Hilton, Downtown Long Beach Alliance, Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine, Ride Yellow and more.

Giving us a moment’s pause: While the event is free and open to everyone, RSVPing is highly encouraged. To RSVP or to volunteer, email [email protected] or call 562-570-6816.

Serving with a Thankful Heart begins with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McBride Park located at 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. For more, visit the Facebook event here.