By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — In what is an inter-state collaborative effort between soup kitchens, churches and organizations, Trinity Church in Claremont will be holding its annual Community Harvest Meal on Thanksgiving Day.
Organizer Amanda Whittemann, who works for Baby Steps Family Assistance Program, is organizing the dinner that is co-sponsored by Baby Steps, Claremont Soup Kitchen, Girl Scout Troop 60263, Sullivan County 4-H, Trinity Church, and Norwich, Vermont based organization Willing Hands. Whittemann added that Zadiah Eisenberg, founder of the bike repair shop in the basement of New Chain Bike Repair located in the basement of church, is assisting with organizational efforts.
Whittemann said it is a huge event for those in the community who are looking for a hot, delicious meal, and a spot to be with others enjoying the holiday together for free. The event is in its second year, and last year they served 125 people, and everyone was also sent out the door with a second plate.
“All in all, we served close to 300 meals,” Whittemann said. “We have turkeys donated, about 25 pounds each. We have a 13 pounder and another one being donated. We will have mashed potatoes, and I plan on making sweet potato pie with the little marshmallows on top. We’ll have stuffing, cranberry sauce, and we’ll also have vegan and vegetarian options, with a salad bar, as well.”
Whittemann said that people in the community kindly made monetary donations, which was used on Monday morning to pick up groceries. Willing Hands donated three turkeys and vegetables, as well.
Food preparation and cooking was all taking place in the days leading up to Thanksgiving at the Claremont Soup Kitchen, and then everything will be served at Trinity Church.
“The Soup Kitchen has been so kind to help cook our turkeys, so all we have to do is separate them and put them in our pans,” she said.
The Claremont Soup Kitchen gives its workers the day off on Thanksgiving, and Whittemore said the idea was to organize an event to fill the continued need because “the hunger never stops.”
“It is very important to still have a meal with all these people and have the opportunity for them to be able to take home a meal,” Whittemann said. “Whether they have a home or not, everyone still needs to eat. We try to face hunger head on.”
Baby Steps Family Assistance Program is a nonprofit out of Claremont that has a food pantry and supplies clothing to those in need, and last quarter they served almost 1,500 families with food. Whittemann said that once a month people can come in and get clothing for the week.
She said her organization, as well as her co-sponsors, all work with big hearts to help those in need year-round. When she was organizing the event, Whittemann said they all jumped at the opportunity to help in one way or another. There will be 26 volunteers, with a big chunk coming from Trinity Church and Sullivan County 4-H. Whittemann said it is a true collaboration for a great event to help those who need it most.
“Twice a week we get a meal from Willing Hands to provide food for, so when I reached out to them, they were more than willing to help,” she said. “They had all these fruits and vegetables, and that’s great because places could be closed. The girl scouts are making brownies for dessert and made beautiful centerpieces. I am very grateful for this community here in Claremont.”
The meal will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Trinity Church is located at 120 Broad Street in Claremont and the event is free for all.
For more information or questions, email [email protected].
