Community Corner

Naugatuck Church to Hold Free Thanksgiving Dinner

St. Michael's Episcopal Church on the green will offer a turkey dinner and all the fixins' for Thanksgiving Day next week.

Thanksgiving is just over a week away, and one local church will continue its tradition of providing a free Thanksgiving Day dinner.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located next to the Naugatuck Green in the downtown, is hosting its seventh annual free dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24. The event is open to all in the community that wish to attend.

The fixins' include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, carrots, butternut squash and dinner rolls, as well an assortment of desserts.

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Michelle Lineweber, church member, said The event fulfills two important needs in Naugatuck and the community:

“Many individuals and families cannot afford the daily essentials, or many not be in the financial position to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner. This provides them with a hot, healthy meal,” Lineweber said in an email. “The dinner is also a place where those who don't have any family or friends can come to enjoy the holiday with others from the community, rather than being alone.”

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Attendance at the free dinner has increased very year since it began in 2004, she said.

“We expect the turnout to be even greater this year especially considering the recent rise in food prices,” she said.

Last year, the church served just under 200 dinners, and that included to-go orders, Lineweber said. Roughly 50 people volunteered to assist in the dinner, including food preparations and on the holiday itself. Some that come to enjoy the dinner one year will show up again the next year to volunteer, Lineweber said.

Despite the growing demand, the community has fortunately been generaous with donations. Roughly a dozen businesses and invdiduals provide monetary donations every year, she said, and the church even receives many donations from diners themselves.

“Which is never solicited, but a very nice gesture,” she said.

The church can be reached by calling 203-729-8249. The website is www.saintmichaelsnaugatuck.com.

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