Black Friday: To some, it’s THE day to kick off the Christmas shopping season and snag unbelievable deals on high-end items, even if it means camping overnight or cutting a Thanksgiving meal short. To others, it’s a day to avoid shopping centers at all costs. The Sacramento Press asked locals to share their Black Friday plans, strategies and experiences. Here is what they had to say: Ramona Powell, a 54-year-old transportation consultant from Sacramento, said she plans to do some shopping on Friday. “I’ve looked online at what Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target, JC Penney’s and Macy’s have,” she said. “My tradition has been to go out at about 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and camp out.” She said h

Thousands of Sacramento participants toughed out the rain this Thanksgiving morning as they participated in the 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. For more information and race results visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com Photos from this morning's event:

It’s Thanksgiving again – a day filled with food and family and, for some, football. Everyone has their own traditions and routines for Thanksgiving, even members of the City Council. The Sacramento Press checked in with some council members to find out what their holiday will look like this year. Here’s what they had to say: “I’m starting the day off by leading the Run to Feed the Hungry,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson at his press conference Tuesday. Johnson said the race, which typically hosts more than 30,000 runners and walkers, is a “cool way to get families together.” After the race, Johnson said he plans to spend the day at home with his family. “I’m always here in Sacramento for T

The short, brisk days and the warm, fall colors in the trees remind us that the holidays are fast approaching. With Thanksgiving upon us, The Sacramento Press went to the streets to ask, “What should Sacramento be thankful for?” “All of the trees,” said Debbie Isley, 59, a retired real estate agent from Placerville. “And the water.” Isley, originally from Southern California, said she appreciates how green the area is, especially after living in the desert for many years. For those native to the area, the answers change a bit. Carolyn Gamble, a retired state employee from Carmichael, has lived in the Sacramento area her entire life. “Sacramento supports everything here,” said Gamble, 6

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is this week! Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of Sacramento's Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends. Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask a handful of different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event. There is still

Thanksgiving is a holiday for community, sharing and, of course, a bountiful feast. Thanks to several local organizations, even those who aren’t able to afford a turkey dinner with all the trimmings this year can still enjoy a free meal. All are invited to come, fill their plates, and be grateful for warm turkey on a cool November day. Below are nine charities and churches hosting Thanksgiving dinner this week. If you know of any others, please add to the list in the Conversation section. Happy Thanksgiving! Sacramento Loaves & Fishes When: Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: 1321 North C St. 446-0874 Sacramento Loaves & Fishes will serve a Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey,

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a couple weeks away! Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of Sacramento's Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends. Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask a handful of different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.

Wanted: turkeys or ham. That is what The Salvation Army needs for its upcoming Thanksgiving community meal.  "We need some additional donation so we can feed anyone looking for a hot meal this Thanksgiving," said Captain Hendrk Sumter, Salvation Army Sacramento County Coordinator.  "Every bit helps when we are serving a lot of people." More than 500 are expected to come to The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter in downtown Sacramento for the annual free meal.  The donated meat will used for that day and to feed the clients from the shelter program. Last week, California State Automobile Association of Northern California helped the cause by donating 31 turkeys.  Information about how to

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of Sacramento's Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends. Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask a handful of different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event. The

It’s that time of year again, yes, time to cook a giant bird in the oven. There is a sense of tradition and nostalgia every year, the smell of a home cooked meal and relatives and friends alike come storming through the front door. Thanksgiving is a time of reunions and family tradition. Bring on the wild turkeys, the mashed potatoes, the gravy, the cranberry sauce and biscuits for a massive dinner party. Though most families sit down around a dinner table and pass around plates filled with food, I, on the other hand, never got to experience that tradition until recently. My family never really celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. Someone takes home a frozen slaughtered turkey and throw