Area residents will have the chance to give thanks, have fun and help others in need on Tuesday during an Evening of Thanksgiving event at Northbridge Mall.

Northbridge Mall Marketing Director Pam Folkens said typically mall store owners have hosted what was called an Evening of Giving where any money raised is given back to a charity. But instead of raising money this year, the mall sponsors felt there was a need at the food shelf and will partner with the Salvation Army to collect food, she said. The idea is for people to give thanks for what they have by helping others. For that reason, they’re calling it an Evening of Thanksgiving.

During the event, which goes from 5 to 9 p.m., people are encouraged to bring five nonperishable food items to donate.

There will be activities throughout the mall, including a visit from Santa for the children, singing from the Albert Lea High School Caroliers from 6 to 7 p.m. and the Good Time Band from 7 to 8 p.m., and other family activities.

Some of the activities include turkey bowling, where people bowl with a frozen turkey, cookie decorating, crafts for the children and prize giveaways.

Folkens said one highlight will be when the high school boys varsity bowling team will face off against the members of Albert Lea Thunder at 8 p.m.

If you go:

What: Evening of Thanksgiving

Where: Northbridge Mall

When: 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 25

Cost: People are encouraged to bring five nonperishable food items to donate to the local Salvation Army

There will also be snacks and hors d’oeuvres, along with special discounts in the mall stores, good only for that night. Because of the discounts, it would be a great chance for families to take a tag off the Angel Tree — which will go up earlier that day — and shop for children in need, Folkens said.

“This is a really good thing to bring the family to and to start teaching the children how important it is to give and do things for people who are worse off than we are,” Folkens said. “That’s really what Thanksgiving is about — giving thanks for what you have and helping make it a more enjoyable holiday for others.”

She said she hopes people will come out and support the food shelf.

The Salvation Army canteen will also be out in the mall.

“At the mall we’re always thankful for all of our customers and our shoppers,” she said. “This is one way we can give back to them and do something that helps make them feel good.”

A list of needed nonperishable food items includes canned vegetables, beans, stews or other soups, canned meats, boxed helpers, pastas of any kind, canned juice and fruit, cake mixes, frosting, potato flakes, spaghetti sauce, cereals or oatmeal, pancake mix, ketchup, mustard, syrup, cookies, Jell-O, pudding, peanut butter, jelly, sugar, flour and rice.

Folkens said the Salvation Army explained to her that it would like to hand out cheese and other refrigerated items but it does not have the space to keep them.

On the organization’s wishlist is a walk-in freezer.