WALLACE — For the third year running, a day of fun and food is planned for Silver Valley residents on Thanksgiving. 

Participants are invited to don Thanksgiving-themed attire to participate in the 3-mile walk/run under the freeway in Wallace before gathering for a hearty free Thanksgiving dinner at the Elks building in the afternoon.    

“Walk or run in the morning and then gobble later,” Wallace Food Bank Director Michael Hoffman said. 

The race begins at 10 a.m. by Wallace Junior/Senior High School. The cost is $10 or seven nonperishable food items.    

Hoffman said turnout has increased each year, reaching more than 300 fed on Thanksgiving Day in 2024. 

This year with the hold on SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, Hoffman said there is a “tremendous need” in the area. 

“We just want to fill that gap,” Hoffman said. 

As a member of the Wallace Elks, this will be the third year Cindy Lien has been helping organize the meal at the Wallace Elks. 

Dave Smith Motors donated to the meal, allowing organizers to get 30 turkeys this year.

“Last year, we served just over 300 meals, and 68 were deliveries, but I’m anticipating more this year,” Lien said. 

The Thanksgiving celebration is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. at 419 Cedar St.

Deliveries will be made to people from Big Creek east to Mullan.

“It's just near and dear to my heart, I work with the food bank and so this is very important to me and the Elks,” Lien said.  

Grants fund the meal. Any leftover money is given to the Wallace Food Bank.

“It’s Thanksgiving Day and everyone’s welcome; you don’t have to be in need,” Lien said. “If you’ve cooked for the last 10 years and don’t want to, come see us and bring the family, we’ll watch football and the bar will be open.” 

About 10 more volunteers are needed for the two-hour shift.

To volunteer to help with the meal, text or call Cindy Lien at 208-512-4677. 

For more information about the Turkey Trot, email [email protected]

Online registration is open through Nov. 26 at the Wallace Chamber of Commerce website.

    The Wallace Food Bank is hosting another Turkey Trot this year. Participants in the 3K run/walk are asked to either bring seven nonperishable food items or donate $10 to take part in the event on Thanksgiving Day. Afterwards, community members are asked to join in a meal at the Wallace Elks to celebrate Thanksgiving.