This time of year is very special to me as it is to most of us. Here in Portsmouth it is a time to give thanks by giving back to the community. I became a Rotarian over 11 years ago and was honored to serve as our Club President in 2002-2003. Serving the annual Thanksgiving Dinner has always been my favorite volunteer activity. It takes over 100 volunteers to put on the event. This year we are celebrating the 36th time the dinner has been hosted by the club.
The dinner consists of two groups - those that come to the Unitarian Church in Portsmouth for a traditional sit down meal at 12 noon and those who have the meals delivered. We expect over 125 guests for dinner this year for the sit down family style meal and to deliver 100 meals to shut ins. We even provide a next day "left-over" turkey sandwich meal. All are welcome to join in helping or eating this turkey feast complete with pie. You can call the Turkey Hotline at 603-431-4436. We also provide transportation for those who need it.
Fellow Rotarians cook the turkeys at home and Portsmouth Regional Hospital helps out with cooking the mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing and peas. The Pie Cutting Committee takes care of serving the 25 plus pies. Many Rotarians bring their children along to help serve the meal or take meals to shut ins. Early in the day the kids decorate the to-go bags with Happy Thanksgiving pictures.
The Delivery Dinner Bags
It feels so good to see the smiles on everyones faces who participate in this heart warming day. You see many of the same people having dinner from year to year and it is our honor to serve each and everyone. Each table has 2-3 volunteers who make sure that every turkey desire is provided for. I am very proud to be a member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club. We boast 250 active members and formed in 1923.
Serving the To Go Meals
(c) Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth NH
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