THE
MEAL
WHERE
MERCADO
ON FIFTH
423 12th Street
Moline, IL 61265
WHEN
THANKSGIVING DAY
Thursday
November 27, 2025
TIME
DINNER
ONLY
Serving from
4PM - 7PM
INFO
DINE-IN &
WALK UP
No Drive-Thru
Available
GET
INVOLVED
Join the Spirit of Giving with the Mr. Thanksgiving Meal
​
This Thanksgiving, help us serve our community with warmth, compassion, and a hearty meal. The Mr. Thanksgiving Meal brings people together to make a difference, and there are still meaningful ways to get involved in supporting this cherished tradition.
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VOLUNTEER
DONATE
SHARE
Join our team of volunteers! Every hour you give helps us reach more people and provide more meals.
Give today and make an impact. Each dollar helps us serve more meals and bring hope to our community.
Tell your family and friends! The more people who know about our mission, the more meals we can provide.
ABOUT
US
Since 1971, Bob Vogelbaugh—known affectionately as Mr. Thanksgiving—has welcomed everyone to a fully prepared Thanksgiving meal, providing warmth, nourishment, and a sense of belonging for thousands each holiday. What began as a small gesture at Bob’s grocery store in downtown Moline has grown into a beloved annual tradition, drawing together people from all walks of life to celebrate Thanksgiving as a community.
Over the years, the Mr. Thanksgiving Meal has expanded to serve thousands of people, with each gathering embodying Bob's heartfelt commitment to ensuring that no one is alone or without a meal on Thanksgiving Day.
In 2024, the future of this cherished tradition was uncertain, but the community rallied to protect Bob’s vision. “Friends of Mr. Thanksgiving” mobilized with dedication and compassion, coming together to secure the meal's future and preserve Bob’s legacy. Their efforts have inspired the future formation of a nonprofit organization to formalize and sustain the Mr. Thanksgiving Meal for generations to come.
We’re proud to carry forward Bob’s mission of kindness and community, making sure that every Thanksgiving, all have a place at the table.
SPONSOR
The Mr. Thanksgiving Meal would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our corporate sponsors. Their contributions help us bring warmth, comfort, and a hearty Thanksgiving meal to those in need within our community. From food and supplies to logistics and essential support, these sponsors enable us to make this cherished event a reality.
With deep gratitude, we recognize and thank the following corporate sponsors for their commitment to giving back and making a difference:
