Toms River residents are in need this year more than ever after so much of the township was affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Local Thanksgiving events are offering anyone regardless of need to join in their festivities for a hot meal and camaraderie.

Here is a partial list of Thanksgiving dinner events being held around Toms River.

Volunteers at Ocean County College are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on campus at 1 p.m. Thursday. Call 732-255-0348 to reserve your seat.

Toms River Elks# 1875, at Washington and Clifton, is having a Thanksgiving dinner seatings are: noon to 1 p.m., 1 to 2 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m. Visit the Elks Lodge beforehand to pick up tickets.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Toms River, across the street from Toms River Intermediate School East on Hooper Ave. will hold its event Thanksgiving Day noon to 4 p.m.

The Salvation Army/Hearty Helpings, 1738 Route 37 West in Toms River, will provide Thanksgiving meals at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Island Heights United Methodist Church free Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday. Individuals, families, and local and out-of-state emergency responders are invited to attend a seating at noon, 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call the church office at 732-929-0444. Island Heights United Methodist Church is located at 111 Ocean Ave.

In Brick, the Church of Epiphany, Thiele Road, will provide Thanksgiving dinners at noon Thursday. Deliveries provided upon request. Call 732-458-0220.

Lowe's Toms River will distribute Boston Market style Thanksgiving dinners starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday. 500 meals will be provided.