For many in the Reno Sparks area, Thanksgiving begins with a warm plate and an open door, a tradition that continues this year as a familiar community meal prepares to welcome anyone who needs it.

The free holiday meal will be served on Thursday, November 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Vincent’s Dining Room at 325 Valley Road in Reno.

The effort, supported by the Nugget Casino Resort and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, marks the 64th year the resort will prepare more than 1,300 traditional Thanksgiving meals in its kitchens.

Those meals will be delivered to St. Vincent’s Dining Room and sent to other local shelters to reach people across the region.

Organizers say the annual event reflects a shared mission to support the community during the holiday season.

No registration or ID is required, and all are welcome. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, St. Vincent’s Dining Room, and Nugget Casino Resort will host the gathering.

Additionally, they have upcoming programs that do require registration, such as Operation Stocking Stuffer. 

"We registered individuals a few weeks ago, and so families come in. We have a time when the parents can pick up the stockings so they can create some Christmas magic," said Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada CEO Marie Baxter. 

The Salvation Army is also registering children for its Christmas Angel Tree program, which will provide holiday meals for families and gifts for children. 

"We'll be doing about 7000 gifts is what we're looking for to meet the needs of all the children that are signed up on our on our list. And then we also obviously do food boxes for them," said Major Randy Hartt, Northern Nevada Coordinator for the Salvation Army.