
Franklin County community guide for Thanksgiving week
Chambersburg Thanksgiving 2026: Free Dinners, Turkey Trots & Holiday Fun
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Here’s where to find a free turkey or a hot meal, where to run off the pie, and how to celebrate with family from Chambersburg to Greencastle and Hagerstown.
Need food right now? Dial 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org to find food pantries and meal programs in Franklin County. The Salvation Army of Chambersburg (159 Lincoln Way W.) also runs a soup kitchen. Call ahead, since holiday hours change.
Thanksgiving in Franklin County is about neighbors looking out for neighbors. Volunteers at the Salvation Army on Lincoln Way serve and deliver dinners, churches in Chambersburg and Greencastle open their kitchens, and runners lace up in Greencastle before the oven goes on. I put this guide together from Eventbrite listings, Local.News and community resources so you can find what you need in one place, whether that’s a free meal, a place to volunteer, or something fun to do over the holiday.
Events are listed by date within each section. Plans change, so always confirm times and registration with the organizer before you head out.
Food help and meal giveaways
If you need food help this Thanksgiving, start here, or dial 2-1-1 (pa211.org) to find a pantry near you in Franklin County.
Lizzy’s Restaurant Thanksgiving meal giveaway
The Greencastle restaurant has helped local families with a Thanksgiving meal giveaway in past years. Call the restaurant for 2026 details.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Local.News
Free Thanksgiving dinners
Sit-down and carry-out meals across Franklin County and nearby Hagerstown. Several need reservations, so call early.
North Hagerstown High School Community Thanksgiving Dinner
A free community dinner prepared and hosted by students in the school’s culinary and hospitality programs, the night before Thanksgiving.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Local.News
Greencastle Presbyterian Church free carry-out Thanksgiving dinner
A free carry-out Thanksgiving dinner. Reserve by calling 717-597-8333, ext. 3.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Local.News
Salvation Army of Chambersburg Thanksgiving Day dinner
A free, sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. All are welcome with no restrictions, and meals can be delivered to shut-ins. Volunteers and donations are always appreciated.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: PA 2-1-1
New Guilford BIC Church Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner
A free community Thanksgiving dinner. Reservations have been taken online through the church’s website.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Local.News
Turkey Trots
“Wobble before you gobble.” Bundle up: late-November mornings in the Cumberland Valley are chilly.
Carlisle YMCA Turkey Trot
About 35 minutes up I-81: a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk with the Golden Forks Tuckey Team Challenge.
Source: TrainerDay
Greencastle Flyers Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Franklin County’s Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk, hosted by the Greencastle Flyers.
2026 details pending — confirm before you goSource: Find The Run
Family fun and crafts
A free pizza party and a festive craft night to get you in the holiday spirit.
Give Thanks Porch Leaner & Wine Glass Painting (Hagerstown)
Paint a “Give Thanks” porch leaner with brews and good company. A Thanksgiving wine-glass painting class runs at the same time.
Source: Eventbrite
Free Thanksgiving Pizza Party (Greencastle)
Two free slices and a soda at Tony’s New York Pizza, then dessert, prizes and fun at Taylored Designs.
Source: Eventbrite
Thanksgiving in Chambersburg: Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Where can I get a free Thanksgiving dinner in Chambersburg?
The Salvation Army of Chambersburg (159 Lincoln Way W.) has served a free Thanksgiving Day dinner from noon to 2 p.m., open to all, and New Guilford BIC Church hosts a community Thanksgiving dinner with online reservations. Confirm 2026 times before you go.
Are there free Thanksgiving meals in Greencastle?
Greencastle Presbyterian Church has offered a free carry-out Thanksgiving dinner (reserve at 717-597-8333, ext. 3), and Lizzy’s Restaurant has run a Thanksgiving meal giveaway.
Is there a Turkey Trot near Chambersburg?
The Greencastle Flyers Turkey Trot 5K runs on Thanksgiving morning in Greencastle, and the Carlisle YMCA Turkey Trot starts at 9 a.m. in Carlisle.
How can I find food help in Franklin County?
Dial 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org to find food pantries and meal programs near you. The Salvation Army of Chambersburg also runs a soup kitchen.
From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving
If this guide helped, pass it along to a neighbor who could use it. And when you’re ready to talk about buying or selling a home in Chambersburg or anywhere in Franklin County, I’m here to help.
Jay Starr · RE/MAX 1st Advantage
717-658-0177 · Jay@JayStarr.com · JayStarr.com
Event information was gathered from Eventbrite and the public sources linked with each listing as of October 27, 2026, and is provided for convenience only. Dates, times, eligibility and availability are set by each organizer and may change. Free food distributions are typically first-come, first-served while supplies last. RE/MAX 1st Advantage is not affiliated with these organizations or events unless stated. Listings marked “2026 details pending” are annual events whose 2026 schedules had not been announced at the time of writing.