Written By Linda Morton

As most Americans gather together to give thanks for their blessings on the most familial holiday of the year, others face the tradition alone. That harsh reality is addressed in Carroll County by members of the community who want Thanksgiving to be a day of enjoyment for everyone. For many local citizens, one of the greatest pleasures on this day of blessings is to share with others; to provide a feast and friends for those whose Thanksgiving Day might otherwise consist of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich eaten with only a television for company.

The spirit of neighborliness is the driving force behind several Thanksgiving Day meals that are open to everyone. Other opportunities are also available to provide ingredients for a holiday meal to those who might not be able to provide their own.

The Shepherd’s Staff, a nonprofit Christian outreach and emergency support center, will host Carroll County’s 14th annual Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church at 45 Monroe Street in Westminster. Guests should arrive before noon for refreshments and a social time. The meal will be served from noon to 2 p.m.

In the true spirit of community participation, numerous volunteers from throughout the county will work together to provide this traditional, home-cooked meal to everyone who comes, at no cost. The food, labor, and location are all donated.

“We’ll prepare for 200-300 people,” said Kathy Brown, director of The Shepherd’s Staff. “Anyone who wakes up on Thanksgiving morning with no plans for the day is welcome. By the way, I’m looking for some musicians to play during the meal to add to the festivities.”

To volunteer or donate to the menu, call Kathy Reid at 410-875-2084 by November 1. Cleanup workers who can pitch in from 2 p.m. until the job is finished are especially needed. Individuals and organizations can find out which items and services are needed at the Shepherd’s Staff Web site: www.shepstaff.org.

Donations of food should be brought to St. John’s cafeteria on Wednesday, November 26, from 2 to7 p.m. (Please do not bring donations to the church office.) Berry pies, cookies, brownies, apples, oranges, nuts, and wrapped candy are needed for take-home goodie bags, in addition to ingredients for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Monetary donations can be mailed to The Shepherd’s Staff, designated Thanksgiving Dinner, P. O. Box 127, Westminster, MD 21158, or delivered to the office at 30 Carroll Street, Westminster.

For transportation to the event or delivery of a meal to those homebound because of illness or disability, contact the Shepherd’s Staff office at 410-857-5944 by Thursday, November 20. Organizations and individuals who can assist with meal deliveries should notify Shepherd’s Staff by November 1.

Union Bridge United Methodist Church also prepares a Thanksgiving Day meal that is open to all. For several years, the church has served between 60 and 70 guests. Members of the congregation and the community sign up to contribute food. The meal will be served at 2 p.m. at the church, 7 South Main Street, Union Bridge. Contact Rev. Margaret Moon at 410-775-2644 to help.

The Westminster Rescue Mission also prepares a Thanksgiving lunch for the public in conjunction with their open house. They began requesting donations of food for the project in September through the newsletters of local churches. Residents of the mission, a nonprofit, non-denominational, six-month rehabilitation program, prepare and serve the meal along with Rev. Robert Beall, the program’s executive director, and the staff. The meal will be served at 1 p.m. at 658 Lucabaugh Mill Rd., Westminster. To make donations of food or funds, call 410-848-2222.

Mount Airy Net is a cooperative network of churches, civic organizations, and individuals whose mission is to provide a safety net of support and services to those in need. Its year-around food pantry is housed at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mount Airy.

In addition to the usual supplies available through the pantry, ingredients for Thanksgiving meals are requested through local churches and organizations in October.

“We have an all-call for turkeys and trimmings,” said Clydia Koch, president of the Net’s board of directors. “The request goes out to the town and surrounding community through church newsletters and bulletins, our board members and their connections. It’s amazing how it comes together and falls into place. We usually have what we need for the people who need it.”

To request assistance from Mount Airy Net, or to donate Thanksgiving ingredients, call Calvary United Methodist Church, 301-410-0358.

Meals on Wheels will provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal to its clients on Thanksgiving Day. If volunteers would like to relieve regular delivery drivers who may have plans for the day, call 410-857-4447.

The Salvation Army’s Carroll County office has “adopt-a-family” connections for those who would like to provide Thanksgiving food for a needy family. Food can be left with the Salvation Army for delivery, or contributors may deliver to their family personally. Call 410-876-9358, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and speak to Janice Veney, director, to provide food or to request a meal.

The North East Social Action Program (NESAP) food pantry will provide Thanksgiving meal ingredients to families in need. NESAP is located at 1046 S. Carroll Street, Hampstead. Call 410-239-6216 Tuesday-Saturday to donate food or to learn pickup dates.

Carroll County Food Sunday provides food to anyone in Carroll County who needs it, year-around. Although Food Sunday does not provide a prepared Thanksgiving meal, they do try to structure a Thanksgiving menu for meal donations to regular clients during the week before Thanksgiving.

Donations may be received at 10 Distillery Rd., Westminster, ground floor of the Citizen Services Building, 410-857-7926. Food may be picked up at the same location on Tuesday, Nov. 18, Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 20 from 10-11:15 a.m. and 1-2:15 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9-11:30 a.m. Food may also be picked up in Taneytown at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 44 Frederick Street from 9:30-11:15 a.m. Thursdays and in Sykesville at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Freedom Avenue and Liberty Roads from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays.