By Jaime Thomas
Fifteen minutes after the Raceville Community House opened its doors for a Thanksgiving meal on Sunday, the tables were filled.
“I think it’s going very well; I’m seeing a lot of people I haven’t seen before,” said Doug Baker, who planned the dinner. Along with his family and the Raceville United Methodist Church, Baker organized the free event for anyone who needed a holiday meal.
He said the event was specially aimed at those who could not afford to make their own Thanksgiving dinners and believes it’s important for everyone to get a hot meal at this time of year.
“When I see them coming in, it makes me feel really good,” Baker said. He believes Sunday afternoon’s meal, which was prepared for the third year in a row, was the best turnout yet.
Baker’s granddaughter, Lisa Thomas, cut turkey alongside him, and other family members came from out of town as well to lend a hand.
“It’s really a family affair,” Baker said. He thinks the group covered about 200 miles in advertising the event.
The dinner was just one of a number of Thanksgiving dinners for those in need of food or company. For those who missed the Raceville meal, there are more opportunities as the week progresses. Check the calendar section for detailed information about the following free meals.
The Fair Haven Eagles Club will offer a dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22, from noon to 3 p.m., with takeout available starting at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are requested by Wednesday, Nov. 21. Call 802-265-7966 for more information.
In Salem, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, there will be a Thanksgiving meal from noon to 2 p.m. for anyone in the community who would like to share the holiday with others. Reservations are requested, and deliver y is available. For more information call Kim at 518-854-3500.
For those who live a bit more north, the Companions in Christ Fellowship Committee will serve a free community dinner in Whitehall on Nov.22, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Whitehall United Methodist Church. Takeouts and local deliveries will be available. For more information call 518-499-1565.
The Argyle Friends Ensuring a Super Thanksgiving, meanwhile, invites locals to enjoy Thanksgiving fare at the 19th annual Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. The meal will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Argyle firehouse, and reservations are appreciated. Delivery will be available as well. For more information call Joan at 518-638-8507.
