SACO — Many people have holiday traditions, and for the local Knights of Columbus and many community members, it’s hosting Thanksgiving dinner at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco.

Now in its 20^th year, the dinner is free to all community members. Some come because they can’t afford to make dinner, others come for the camaraderie.

At the first dinner, volunteers served 70 people. Last year, about 800 meals were served – some were eaten at the church, others were ordered to go, said organizer Mike Bolduc. 

Those who come to dinner are treated to a full turkey meal with all the fixings and dessert. Tables are festively decorated and set with real plates and silverware – not disposable tableware. Non-alcoholic champagne is served in champagne glasses.

“It’s first class,” said Bolduc.

The meal started out with volunteers from the Knights of Columbus, and though the dinner is still run by the Knights, there are many people from the general community who help out, said Bolduc. In total, there are about 150 volunteers, he said and added that some who have helped out for many years are now bringing along members of the next generation.

“The charity is unbelievable, and it gets better every year,” said Bolduc.

The dinner at Most Holy Trinity is just one of several community dinners being held on Thanksgiving day, all of which are. For a complete list, go to https://211maine.org.

• BIDDEFORD — Bon Appetit, 19 Crescent St. at 5 p.m.

• BUXTON — Chaps Saloon, 1301 Long Plains Road at 1 p.m.

• KENNEBUNK — Dorothy Stevens Community Center, 80 Thompson Road. Dinner served noon to 2 p.m. Takeout available. For more information, call 985-4571.

• KENNEBUNK — Project Pilgrim dinner by Community Harvest. Served from noon to 1:30 p.m. at St. Martha Church, 30 Portland Road. Call ahead for take out, delivery or transportation at 967-1911.

• SACO — Knights of Columbus dinner, Most Holy Trinity Church, 271 Main St. Dinner served from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Menus/order forms are available at the Good Shepherd Parish office or by calling 282-3321 and may be returned until Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. 

• SANFORD — Shains of Maine, 1491 Main St. Dinner served 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

• SANFORD — Thanksgiving open house, Sanford VFW, 1 Hutchinson St. Dinner served at 1 p.m. until food runs out. Call 324-1142 for more information.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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