SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Dozens of nonprofits and communities across Maine served up free Thanksgiving meals today.
The Scarborough Community Thanksgiving drew more than 500 people for a turkey dinner and all the trimmings. For many in Greater Portland, the meal is much more than just the food.
It's a time when turkey and all the fixings are served with a smile.
A complimentary hot meal warmed the hearts of people lined up at the Scarborough Community Thanksgiving, especially this woman from South Portland.
"They are accommodating, helpful, and wonderful," Cindi Richards exclaimed.
It was a new tradition for this family, who emigrated to Maine from Sweden.
"My wife was here in Maine; she works here, and I come from Sweden. In Scandinavia, they don't have Thanksgiving," Amrith Jayakuman explained.
It's a meal that ensures that Phillip Orr and his mother don't have to eat alone.
"It's better to be with a bunch of people than a few people at home," Phillip Orr said.
An army of volunteers spent two days preparing mountains of mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, and other fixings for the 9th annual meal. Giving back has become a tradition for this family.
Ten-year-old Daniel Tournigny started volunteering at the tender age of 4.
"It makes me feel great, and I enjoy it a lot, Daniel enthused.
The family then breaks bread with the people they help to make them feel at home.
"You can see other people who may not have large traditional gatherings at home. It's a nice place to come and be part of a bigger community," Daniel's Dad Jerry said.
Organizers said 420 made reservations for the meal and they expected another 100 walk-ins. If that number goes over, volunteers will open up an overflow space to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.
This welcome gesture goes a long way toward meeting a growing need as more people struggle with the rising cost of food.
