Oak Hill Dry Cleaners is proud to be a lead sponsor of the Scarborough Community Thanksgiving, a free celebration started in 2016. Owners Toby and Travis Bartlett say, “We’re proud to support such an important community event.” The annual affair provides traditional Thanksgiving dinners to anyone at absolutely no cost.
Organizer Kelly Noonan Murphy says, “Our goal is to make sure no one eats alone on Thanksgiving and to build a greater sense of community among our neighbors. The vibe is relaxed and everyone is happy to be there. It’s genuinely the best day of the year”
Families, individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations, working together with community partners, have made this dinner into a special tradition that has grown over the years.
Kelly says they served about 150 meals in the first year and 500 last year. Attendees now come from across the Greater Portland area and volunteers deliver meals to unhoused individuals.
According to Kelly, people from all spectrums of the community attend for a variety of reasons. Some are alone and enjoy gathering to celebrate the holiday with neighbors. Others appreciate the free meal in an era of high food costs. Everyone enjoys the festive atmosphere and community spirit.
Volunteers power all aspects of event, from cooking and serving food to delivering meals and cleaning up. They come from across the community and range from middle schoolers to octogenarians. To learn more, email ScarboroughThanksgiving@gmail.com.
Cash donations help keep this a free event. To contribute, visit Scarborough Community Thanksgiving’s website (at right). It’s an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible.
WHEN Thursday, Nov 28, 11am-1pm
WHERE Wentworth School Cafeteria, 20 Quentin Drive, Scarborough
WHAT Community spirit and a free traditional Thanksgiving meal, including roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls, and pie.
WHO Everyone. It is helpful if attendees RSVP by November 15, but walk-ins are welcome. The organizers know holiday plans can change.
WHY To make sure no one eats along on Thanksgiving
WEBSITE
ScarboroughCommunityThanksgiving.org
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Scarborough Community Services
Scarborough Police Department
Scarborough Public Schools
2023 SPONSORS
Founding and Presenting Sponsors: Abbott, Oak Hill Dry Cleaners, The Real Estate Store, Town & Country Federal Credit Union, Woodin & Co. Store Fixtures
Gold Sponsors: Hughes Wealth Advisors, Risbara Brothers
Silver Sponsors: Bluewave, Nonesuch Brewing, Pine Tree Seafood, Ravin Family Dental Care
Friends: Glidden Roofing, LA-Z-BOY, MedCor Professionals, Michelle Raber State Farm Insurance Agency, NorthStar Realty, Paulin’s Tire and Auto Care, Prescott Jamieson Law, Ron Forest Fence, Saco Biddeford Savings, Scarboro Muffler, Scarborough Kiwanis
