ALFRED, Maine — Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration, but for some families, it can be a struggle to put food on the table.
Recognizing the need, York County Shelter Programs coordinated an effort to prepare, package, and hand out approximately 700 Thanksgiving meals this year. The meals were packed and distributed by dozens of volunteers and pantry staff, many of whom have dedicated years to this cause.
Volunteer Rachel Paquet, who has been helping for more than two decades, said this annual effort is deeply personal.
"You know, a lot of people need help," Paquet said. "The people that are gonna be outside, they've been here every year."
Recipients lined up early, with some waiting more than two hours to ensure they’d have a meal to bring home. Each package included all the Thanksgiving staples, providing everyone with the chance to celebrate the holiday.
"Many of them said this is what makes Thanksgiving possible for them. To hear that is really incredible and makes all of the fundraising and all of the trips to pick up turkeys for our staff and volunteers and just everything so worth it," Megan Gean-Gendron, the nonprofit's executive director, said.
The program's work goes beyond providing food; it offers a sense of hope and connection for those who receive it. "As somebody who had it rough once, it really makes me feel good to be able to give back," Rob Boyd, the pantry coordinator, said.
For more information about the shelter program's food pantry, click here.
