Thanksgiving eats

With the holiday nearly upon us, I’m going to post some FAQ info — what restaurants are open Thanksgiving Day (that I know of) and where good-hearted folks can donate their time that day.

First: restaurants.

As per this recent column, they include Cracker Barrel on Jim Johnson Road, open from 6 a.m. to 10p.m. Thanksgiving Day; Georgia Brown’s Bar and Grill on Raeford Road; Golden Corral on Skibo Road and Ramsey Street, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; K&W Cafeteria on Village Drive, 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Ryan’s on Skibo Road, 10:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sandpiper Seafood Restaurant on Eastern Boulevard, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And Waffle Houses are always open, 24/7, whatever the day. Mmm, Thanksgiving waffles.

Next: Volunteering.

Per this column, you can lend a hand at the annual Thanksgiving feeds put on by the City Rescue Mission and by the Caring 7.

The rescue mission expects to feed and provide clothing and toiletries to 400 homeless and needy people at its 331 Adam St. location on Thanksgiving Day between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call 323-0446 for more information.

The Caring 7, a charitable group of local men, expects to serve about 1,000 turkey dinners to any and all comers in the parking lot outside Vick’s Drive-In at 506 Rowan St. from 11 a.m. to probably about 3 p.m. Show up anytime after 7 a.m. to help them set up or however you can and want to.

Other groups, including some churches and the Salvation Army, serve Thanksgiving meals, too, but the ones we know about are already set for volunteer help. But Christmas is coming and many would welcome help for efforts centered around that holiday.

And many, such as the Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army, provide help year-round to the needy — and thus need help from volunteers on non-holidays, too.

Let me know if you have more info — or questions — on either subject.