SCARBOROUGH, Maine — In true Maine spirit, several organizations around the state held free Thanksgiving dinners on Thursday. The Scarborough Community Thanksgiving hosted more than 400 people for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings—the biggest turnout since the free event began eight years ago.
People from the greater Portland area came for a meal that has become about so much more than just the food. Dozens of volunteers spent two days preparing mountains of mashed potatoes, gravy, and other fixings, for a meal that brings everyone together.
Volunteer Roger St. Pierre, who has experienced homeless in the past, spent the morning transporting hot Thanksgiving dinners to the unhoused living under the Casco Bay Bridge.
"They are in a little bit of shock but are happy; everybody is happy when they get something to eat," St. Pierre explained.
Kelly Murphy, the organizer of the feast at Wentworth School, said while food is the focus, the mission is connecting people on Thanksgiving.
"We have had entire families come, and we will push tables together—this has become part of their Thanksgiving tradition."
The Scarborough Community Thanksgiving is in its eighth year. More than 400 reservations were already on the books this year, with as many as 100 walk-ins expected.
This reflects a growing need as more people struggle with the rising cost of food.
"People are fortunate to come and have a nice hot meal without worrying about going to the grocery store," South Portland resident Pam Peterson said.
Peterson attends the dinner yearly and invited her son and grandchildren for the first time.
"It's so much nicer to come here and be with family and not cook our dinner," Troy Peterson, Pam's son, added.
A meal that ensures no one eats alone.
"My family is often out of town, and I don't get to see them, so I come here. A lot of my neighbors are here," explained Judy Hill of Scarborough.
It's a welcome that goes a long way—people can stay as long as they want, enjoy their food, chat with new friends, and take home handmade cards created by students at Wentworth School. One student wrote "have a super duper Thanksgiving."