Tonawanda News — The Tonawanda area has geared up for today’s holiday, with a number of events taking place and many volunteer hours being logged.

A number of meals for the needy are set to take place, including one at St. Andrew’s in the Town of Tonawanda.

Director of Youth, Parks and Recreation Dan Wiles leads the organization of the event, which will run from noon to 2 p.m.

“This particular meal started 33 years go,” Wiles said. “It actually started as a Boy Scout project.”

Wiles said he used to volunteer for the event and deliver meals with his children.

“My kids were young and I wanted to show them by example,” Wiles said. “We are blessed and have always had a happy holiday, but I wanted them to help others who don’t have the same blessings.”

Then, a few years ago, he was asked to lead the event, but still enjoys helping those who come for the meal.

“You get a good feeling out of it,” Wiles said. “You are doing God’s work.”

Wiles got the Ken-Ton Kiwanis, Kenmore Lions and Zonta involved, which all contribute to the event.

Thirty-one turkeys are being cooked for the meal and about 33 volunteers are helping out. 

Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels will also be delivering meals to individuals’ homes. About 150 attendees are expected. 

St. Andrew’s is located at 1545 Sheridan Drive. Anyone who is need of a meal is invited to come to the event.

The Salvation Army in the City of Tonawanda is also holding a meal at noon, preceded by a Thanksgiving service at 11 a.m.

Located at 46 Broad St., the event will feature also feature a band.

Kenmore United Methodist Church will have a similar schedule of events, with a worship taking place at 11 a.m. and dinner at noon. Home delivery will also be offered.

Other Thanksgiving masses are set to go on as scheduled, but a few churches have different schedules due to the holiday. The Thanksgiving mass at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish will be taking place at 9 a.m., instead of the regularly scheduled 8 a.m. time.

St. Christopher’s Parish’s Thanksgiving mass is also being moved to 9 a.m. 

St. Andrew’s in Kenmore will be holding their Thanksgiving celebration at 8:30 a.m.

St. Mark Lutheran Church in North Tonawanda will be celebrating Thanksgiving at their mass scheduled for 10 a.m. today. 

Some Thanksgiving, kid-friendly fun will also be taking place Friday. The North Tonawanda Public Library will be presenting Molly and the Magic Monkey, a Thanksgiving-themed magic show, Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Reservations are not required and the show will include surprises and audience participation.

Contact reporter Jessica Bagley at 693-1000, ext. 4150.