White River Junction
The VFW Post 2571 in White River Junction started hosting a meal three years ago, and Scared Heart Church has been serving Thanksgiving dinner for more than two decades.
Both organizations credit their success to the legions of volunteers who contribute their time, energy and skills to prepare food for others.
“We’re here … so that people have a place to go,” said Rhonda Wood, manager at the VFW.
Last year, about 30 people attended. “We’re hoping we do more,” she said.
The VFW provides the food, along with contributions from area businesses.
“If it wasn’t for the community, a lot of this wouldn’t work,” Wood said.
The meal is held from noon-2 p.m. — “or until the food is gone,” Wood said. The VFW is located at 97 S. Main St., in White River Junction. For more information, call 802-295-9745.
In Lebanon, Sacred Heart hosts a meal at the church at noon, as well as delivering meals to those at home or those who are working on Thanksgiving day. Last year, more than 1,200 meals were served.
“I think it’s an opportunity for the whole community to come together to celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Amy Cheevers, director of faith formation at Sacred Heart. “The volunteers are from all over. They’re not necessarily church-related volunteers. It’s just a great place for everyone to gather.”
More than 100 volunteers contribute, including the church’s youth ministry, which is baking 100 pies (with a hoped-for additional 300 coming in from community members).
“People take turkeys home and cook them and bring them back to church,” Cheevers said. “We just have an awesome community”
Sacred Heart is located at 2 Hough St. in Lebanon. For more information, call 1-888-600-4171.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
