By Dan Newman

Times are tough, but the community always seems to come together during the holidays so everyone can enjoy a good meal.

If you don’t have the money or the resources for a family feed, the good news is the establishments listed below are serving free meals this Thanksgiving, and are open to the public. Some accept volunteers or donations, while others put on the feast by themselves. Contact each location directly for more information.

Most of these places have done this sort of thing for decades, and they ask nothing in return. They just want families to have a safe place to enjoy a good, traditional Thanksgiving meal every year.

This is the 48th annual meal served by First Presbyterian Church of Wausau. Others, such as Tri City Family Restaurant, offer the free meal for several hours, then charging for food later in the day.

Free Thanksgiving meal locations in the Wausau area:

Salvation Army

Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

202 Callon St., Wausau

715-845-4272

Tri City Family Restaurant

Free meals served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, after 2 p.m. meals cost $7.99

525 Grand Ave., Schofield

715-359-9596

Blue Willow Café

Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1111 4th ave Wausau WI 54401

715-675-4543

First Presbyterian Church of Wausau

48th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal

Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

406 Grant St., Wausau

715-842-2116

HOME DELIVERY reservations taken until 6 p.m. Nov. 21; call  715-302-2832

St Mary’s School

Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

716 Market Street, Marathon City

715-443-3124

Is your business or organization offering a free Thanksgiving meal? Email us at [email protected] to be added to this list.