YORK COUNTY — Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness, we’re told. This year, as in prior years, togetherness  — especially for those who are alone, or those whose finances may not stretch to provide a full Thanksgiving meal — will be provided by agencies and businesses across central York County.

Whether you dine at Shain’s of Maine Ice Cream, where owner Jeff Shain and his staff have been preparing for Thanksgiving Day,  or if you will partake of the meal at Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church —  or in a number of other locations — folks can enjoy each other’s company and have a meal for free. Many providers accept donations, but they’re not required.

 “We welcome everyone to dinner,” said Jeff Shain. “Some people will donate because they are able to and join us for the fellowship and others just need a hand and we are there for them as well.  Dinner is served from 11 am till 2 pm on Thanksgiving Day. The community has been wonderful to my family and our staff and this is a way of thanking them.”

At Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church, pastor Michael Gray has offered food for thought, as well as a meal to nourish the body on Thanksgiving Day. 

“We have been making a lot of decisions lately about what ministry will look like in our future, but it will definitely involve feeding and supporting our community with work like this dinner,” said Gray.”We are so thankful that we have been able to have this special connection to the community that we love. Food is something that is very important to us, so making sure that everyone has a hot meal on Thanksgiving is such a natural way for us to reach out. And if we can bring spread some of God’s love in the process, then that’s even better.”

At OOB United Methodist Church, the Thanksgiving Day Dinner and Delivery Service  is provided 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.  For reservations, a ride or delivery in the  OOB, Saco or Biddeford area, call  934-5553.

Here is a list of free Thanksgiving meals served on Thanksgiving Day:

*Biddeford, Bon Appetit Thanksgiving Dinner, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Second Congregational Church, 19 Crescent St.  205-0955

* Kennebunk, Community Harvest’s Project Pilgrim Thanksgiving dinner at St. Martha Parish Hall, 30 Portland Road. Full meal, noon to 1:30 p.m. Reservations or deliveries may  be requested by calling 967-1911, walk-ins welcome.

*West Kennebunk, Community Thanksgiving dinner,  noon-2 p.m. Dorothy Stevens Community Center, 80 Thompson Road.  For reservations — appreciated, but not required — call Barbara at 985-2272 or Carol at 985-4571; takeout containers available.

* Lyman, Town Line Family Restaurant, 10 New County Road, 12-6 p.m. 

* Old Orchard Beach,  OOB United Methodist Church, 6 Fountain Road.  Thanksgiving Day Dinner and Delivery Service  11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Signups can be made by leaving a message on the church phone at (207) 934-5553 or by sending an email to [email protected].

* Saco,  18th Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most Holy Trinity Church Hall, 271 Main St. Dine in or take-out.  Take-out orders must be placed in advance and will be delivered between noon and 1 p.m. Menus/order forms are available at the Good Shepherd Parish office at 271 Main St., Saco, or by calling 282-3321 and may be returned until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 23. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and a caring community, with special thanks to the Good Shepherd Parish. For more information, contact Mike Bolduc at 468-0106 or [email protected].

* Sanford, VFW Thanksgiving Open House, meal provided by the 1 p.m. until food runs out; donations accepted. For anyone in need of food and good fellowship. Sanford VFW, 1 Hutchinson Street, Sanford. Call 207-324-1142.

* Sanford, Shains of  Maine Ice Cream, 1491 Main St., Thanksgiving Dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].