Thanksgiving shoppers get last-minute reprieve

There are no free meals on Thanksgiving Day in eastern St. Mary Parish, but the giving has preceded the holiday.
Several churches held meals prior to Thanksgiving for those in need.
St. Mary Outreach handed out more than 100 turkey dinners with side dishes on Monday and Tuesday before running out, according to Director Kay Raymond.
Likewise, Union Bethel A.M.E. Church of Amelia recently held its fifth annual Turkey Drive. In all, 121 residents in Amelia received turkeys, and 12 families received their whole thanksgiving meal, according to Program Director Shantell Singleton.
Last-minute shoppers can purchase items for their meals at most local grocery stores.
Walmart in Bayou Vista will not close for the holiday.
Rouses in Morgan City is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cannata’s in Morgan City, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Save A Lot in Bayou Vista is open 7 a.m. to noon Thursday.
Cypress Point Fresh Market in Patterson is closed on Thanksgiving.
Once the turkey has been eaten, and the football games have been watched, two Christmas lighting ceremonies are on tap for the Tri-City area.
Morgan City’s annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the shrimp boat on Brashear Avenue. Music, candy and a visit from Santa will be available.
Berwick’s Christmas lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving. In addition to music, Santa will arrive on a sleigh and hot chocolate and cookies will be served by the Berwick Garden Club. The program will be expanded this year to include recognition of the town’s three schools, all of which received a grade of A on the recently released school performance scores.