READING, Pa. – At Fatz Guyz Pizzeria in Reading, Chef Chuck Willig has been cooking for days. This year marks the second time he’s offering a free Thanksgiving dinner, served from noon to 4 p.m.
“The reason I do it is it’s a way for me to give back to the community,” Chuck said. “Because me growing up as a kid, I was unfortunate, and a lot of people gave to me. So it’s a way to pass it forward.”
He’s preparing full plates with turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese, greens, and more.
“It warms my heart to see that unfortunate people… you can give them just a meal and make them smile and make them feel different,” he said.
In Sinking Spring, JD’s Steaks is preparing for its own giveaway. Owner Jamey Lipovsky says helping others comes from his own childhood.
“We were kind of poor growing up… and I said to my wife, ‘hey, you know, if we ever get a spot, I would like to do this’,” Lipovsky said.
JD’s will hand out 200 meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., all bagged and ready to go. Another 50 meals will be delivered to people experiencing homelessness through the Berks Community Action Program.
Right now, the shop is quiet, but by tomorrow morning, they’re expecting a line wrapping down Penn Avenue. Many families are simply looking for a warm meal and a little help this Thanksgiving.
Each meal includes turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, a dinner roll, a slice of pumpkin pie, and a bottle of water.
“Your traditional Thanksgiving meal,” Lipovsky said. “It’ll all be ready for people to take home.”