Putting words into action Community spirit makes Manna’s Thanksgiving Day meal for 300 possible

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Those 80 people from all over eastern Maine could have spent their Thanksgiving Day gorging on turkey, watching football or perusing sale circulars for their Black Friday shopping sprees.

Instead, they volunteered to spend Thursday making sure others had a hot meal and companionship.

About 300 people showed up for Manna Ministry’s annual Thanksgiving community dinner, held for the first time this year in the dining commons at the former Bangor Theological Seminary.

In addition, meals were delivered to shut-ins who reside at the Bangor House, Bradford Commons and a multitude of other places. Rides were provided to anyone who needed them.

The event, which is free to all who come, moved from Captain Nick’s restaurant on Union Street, where it had been held for the past several years, to the downtown campus, which can accommodate larger groups.

On Thursday, Manna’s executive director, Bill Rae, said given the “lousy” economy, the need for emergency food assistance in the area is not going away anytime soon, especially at a time when some are forced to choose between buying heating fuel so they can keep warm this winter and such basics as food.

“I think it’s going to be one of the worst winters we’ve seen so far,” he said. “People will have to drain their financial resources, and so will the area’s social service agencies. What we’re going to do, I don’t know.”

The fact that people are willing to roll up their sleeves to help feed the hungry was a source of great hope for Rae.

“Today is about putting words into action. That’s the spirit I’m seeing here today,” he said.

Rae expressed gratitude to Paul Cook, a managing partner with the campus’ new owner, and Ann Marie Orr of Ann Marie’s Kitchen for the use of the kitchen and dining hall facilities.

He also applauded Pittsfield-based Cianbro Corp., which provided 180 turkeys. Other donors came through with the fixings, which included potatoes, stuffing, bread and pies.

The feast, however, wouldn’t have been possible without an army of volunteers, which this year included Unity College students, Christian bikers, family groups, a middle-schooler and others.

“I’m so happy – I really am – to see all of these people working together,” Rae said.

“It’s not Manna doing this; it’s the community. People here rally to the cause of helping their neighbors,” he said.

Each volunteer had a personal reason for wanting to help, whether that involved setting up tables, cooking or serving meals, directing guests or cleaning up afterward.

Jeremy Elliott of Brewer was among this year’s group.

Elliott, who volunteered at a Manna Easter dinner many years ago and sometimes helps out in Manna’s soup kitchen, said he decided to come to the former seminary Thursday after receiving a flyer in the mail.

“It’s sad, but at the same time it feels good to help people, you know. I guess you could say that’s the best thing you could ask for, for Thanksgiving.

“I myself will probably go home and throw a frozen pizza in the oven, you know what I mean? I’d rather the people who absolutely need it eat here,” he said. “I’m not concerned about what I eat. I guess that’s what I have to be thankful for – the fact that I’m able to be here and help.”

George McHale of Orrington decided to volunteer after a conversation with Rae, whom he often has interviewed in his capacity as a radio and television broadcaster.

“This was my first Thanksgiving alone,” said McHale, whose wife died earlier this year.

“I wanted to give back to the community, and this was a perfect way to do it,” he said, adding that he plans to volunteer at Manna’s next community meal.

“I know I’m coming back on Christmas,” he said.

McHale, who shared a holiday meal with his daughter later in the day, brought along the daughter of a friend.

“Her mother asked me to bring her because she wanted her to see that not everyone was as well off as she is,” McHale said.

The experience proved eye-opening for 12-year-old Kayla Clewley, a student at Reeds Brook Middle School in Hampden.

“It’s been fun,” she said. “It’s nice to see the community come together to help people in need, people who can’t afford Thanksgiving Day dinner.”

Dan and Lynn Bernard, members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, drove down from their Millinocket home to help. Lynn Bernard, who also belongs to a Christian women’s knitting circle, brought with her a load of woolen hats, mittens and afghans for those in need.

“This is not about us; it’s all for Jesus and God,” Dan Bernard said.

Members of William and Anna Royal’s extended family lent a hand because help was there when they needed it and because working the Thanksgiving dinner was something they could all do together.

The Royals, who live in Sullivan, brought along their children, Nash, 16, and Clara, 10, as well as some of their Bangor relatives, Wayne West and Larry and Sherry Labbe.

“We always come to the Manna functions,” Anna Royal said, adding that the family often helps with the soup kitchen. “Once you get back on your feet, you are compelled to give back.”

William Royal, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, agreed.

“We like to help. It’s about returning the favor,” he said. “That’s why we came here today.”