Indiana citizens have a variety of options for inexpensive or even free Turkey dinners this year. For those on a tight budget, Walmart is offering an incredible $20 turkey dinner deal. The details for the inexpensive Thanksgiving turkey dinner can be seen here. Considering that an entire turkey can often cost $19.00 or more, depending on brand, paying twenty dollars for a turkey and side dishes is like getting the turkey itself for free. Of course, any undesired side dishes (boxed stuffing or canned gravy) from the Walmart special could be donated to a food pantry and the turkey would still be a bargain. Check local Walmarts for availability because this deal is extremely popular and rain checks may be necessary if supplies run out.
Another super way of giving to others while also getting a free turkey in return is being offered by the South Bend Medical Foundation, including the Mishawaka Facility. Donate blood through them and donors get a free twelve to fourteen pound turkey in return. Since the turkey may be among the most expensive part of Thanksgiving dinner, this is a wonderful way to help others and also save money at Thanksgiving.
There is a crucial need for blood, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. When there is a recession or the economy isn't doing well, a free Thanksgiving turkey encourages people to do some good while helping their food budgets. For those who are vegetarians, feel generous or don't want the Thanksgiving turkey, it can be donated to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, found at http://www.feedindiana.org/ . The free turkeys offered through the South Bend Medical Foundation's blood drive will be available through November 27th.
Another bonus? Every week (through November 24th), donors will be entered in a drawing for a $500 Visa card. So some lucky blood donors will not only get free Thanksgiving turkeys but also an extra $500 which can be used through Visa.
The main South Bend Medical Foundation is located at 530 North Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend Indiana 46601. Calls for more information can be made to (574) 234-1157. The South Bend Central Facility is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m Monday through Friday and Saturday from 7:30 am to 2 p.m.
The Mishawaka Facility is located at 118 West Edison Road, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545. The phone number is (574) 273-8879. Hours are the same as the South Bend Central Facility. For those on a tight budget, potatoes, green beans and other inexpensive side dishes can be used to keep the cost of Thanksgiving dinner well within the $20 range. Keep an eye on my column for future deals which may appear on Thanksgiving turkeys in the next week or so.