MALDEN — A broad-based local community organization has one goal this holiday season: Make sure no one is alone on Thanksgiving.
For more than a decade, Bread of Life, buttressed by a coalition of Malden city and school officials, community service and religious groups and local and area businesses, has joined together in what now has become a tradition: the annual “Don’t Be Alone On Thanksgiving” full course turkey dinner.
The sumptuous meal is served on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Malden High School cafeteria. The dinner (with all the fixins) is provided free to anyone who would like to enjoy a great holiday meal. There is no financial status element to this dinner nor are reservations needed.
“This meal is open to anyone at all who would like to come. It’s a great holiday atmosphere,” said second-year Malden High School principal Ted Lombardi, who will be volunteering at his second event. “It is also a great event for our students who put in a lot of volunteer time both before and during the dinner.”
There are usually plenty of familiar faces among the volunteers seen at the Thanksgiving dinner, including Malden Mayor Gary Christenson.
Christenson, who also came to the dinner during his years as both a former city councilor and school committeeman, has made a beeline for years from the end of the annual Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Day football game to the high school to help serve meals.
“We want all of our residents to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and have the opportunity to have a traditional meal in the midst of good company,” Christenson said.
In addition to serving 400 to 500 people at the “sit down” meal in the high school, another 300 to 400 turkey dinners are distributed around the city and area by volunteers to those who are either homeless or senior citizens who may be homebound.
The dinner is sponsored by Bread of Life, Mayor Christenson, Anthony’s of Malden, Ferryway School in Malden, Forestdale Community Church in Malden, Malden Lions Club, Marty’s Caterers of Stoneham and the Knights of Columbus Council 13966, as well as the staff of Salemwood School in Malden. Marty’s Caterers, a major donor for Bread of Life events, is donating all of the mashed potatoes and gravy.
Bread of Life is asking for donations of roasted turkeys (preferably de-boned) and baked goods (pies, cakes, sweet breads, pastries, cookies). Donations may be brought to the Malden High School cafeteria, rear entrance off of Ferry Street, on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 4-7 p.m.
To volunteer in the kitchen or dining hall on Thanksgiving Day, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or on the evening before from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., call Bread of Life, 781-397-0404 or email [email protected].
To volunteer delivering meals on Thanksgiving Day to elderly shut-ins in Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose or a surrounding town, call Gene Pinkham of the Knights of Columbus Council 13966, at 781-321-0994 or email [email protected].
