WALLACE — For the third-year running, a full day of fun and food for the community 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 community Thanksgiving dinner at the Elks building in the afternoon.    

“Walk or run in the morning and then gobble later,” Hoffman said. 

Participants are asked to arrive at the starting line between 9 and 10 a.m. and the race begins 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27 under the freeway by Wallace Junior/Senior High School.   

The cost to join in the 3-mile run/walk is $10 or seven nonperishable food items.    

Hoffman said although the race and community meal have only been going on for a couple of years, the 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 to feed everyone. 

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

For people able to make the trip in person, the Thanksgiving celebration will take place from 1-5 p.m. at 419 Cedar St., Wallace. 

Deliveries will be made to people from Big Creek to east to Mullan who are unable to participate in person. 

“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.  

Wallace Elks get grants to fund the meal. Any leftover money is given to the Wallace Food Bank to distribute. 

“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 two-hour shifts for the event. 

Lien said she couldn’t promise the weather outside will behave for Thanksgiving, but company of the community is there to warm everyone’s heart who wants a seat at the Thanksgiving table. 

“The weather is always great inside the Elks,” Lien said. 

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]

Those participating in the event can pay $10 cash on race day, Venmo @wallacefoodbank or bring seven nonperishable food items on the day of the race.

Online registration for the Turkey Trot is open now through Nov. 26 through the Wallace Chamber of Commerce website or through https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3rd-annual-wallace-food-bank-turkey-trot.

    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.
  

    Wallace Food Bank Director Michael Hoffman is asking for participants in the Turkey Trot to benefit the food bank by contributing nonperishable food items or paying $10 to join in the Thanksgiving Day fun under the freeway.