Giving on Thanksgiving

Orange County’s food pantries and community centers will provide free Thanksgiving meals today. Some organizations also will have live entertainment and raffles. For example, at Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach, local amateur singers will perform at the Friendship Shelter for Thanksgiving Day guests.

At La Casa Garcia of Anaheim, a mariachi group and other bands will entertain for the thousands expected for its annual feast. Last year, 10,000 people were served.

In addition to the organizations listed below, St. Vincent de Paul will be serving dinner at various places throughout the county. Call (714) 547-5566 for the nearest location.

* Southwest Community Center

1601 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana

Information: (714) 543-8933

Serving dinner: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

* Someone Cares Soup Kitchen

Rea Community Center,

661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa

Information: (714) 646-8181

Serving dinner: 1-4 p.m.

* Placentia Presbyterian Church

849 N. Bradford Ave., Placentia

Information: (714) 528-1438

Serving dinner: At 6 p.m.

* Friendship Shelter

Bluebird Canyon Drive and Cress Street, Laguna Beach

Information: (714) 494-6928

Serving dinner: At noon

* Heart for the People

517 W. Struck Ave., Orange

Information: (714) 538-0513

Serving dinner: At 1 p.m.

* Casa Garcia Restaurant

531 W. Chapman Ave., Anaheim

Information: (714) 740-1108

Serving dinner: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

* Victory Outreach

3708 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana

Information: (714) 554-2171

Serving dinner: 2-5 p.m.

* Shelter for the Homeless

Cafe 405, Westminster Mall

(next to Sears)

Information: (714) 897-3221

Serving dinner: Noon-3 p.m.

* Rescue Mission, Orange County

1901 W. Walnut Ave., Santa Ana

Information: (714) 285-2840

Serving dinner: At 11 a.m.

Los Angeles Times