Celebrating ‘Friendsgiving’

By John McElhenny

» Special to the Times

Fifty people attended “Friendsgiving” at the Grace Center, enjoying a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, pie and plenty of friendship and good company.

The Grace Center, on Main Street in Gloucester, is a drop-in center for homeless and at-risk residents, and the event provided a memorable early Thanksgiving for many who might not be able to spend the holiday with family and friends.

The food was donated by

See ‘FRIENDSGIVING’, Page A2

Steve Kalaghan and John Harris enjoy ‘Friendsgiving’ dinner at the Grace Center.

RICK BLUE/ Courtesy photos

Volunteer Barbara Sachs hands a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and other “fixings’” to Courtney Colson.

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volunteers and local businesses. The dessert table was a particularly popular stop and included lemon cake, gingerbread cupcakes, pumpkin bread and chocolate pudding. Some guests came back for seconds, and the volunteer servers were happy to oblige.

In addition to the food and festive music, guests reconnected with friends they hadn’t seen in a while. Fresh-cut flowers and flickering white candles were placed on white tablecloths at each table, adding to the celebration, and volunteers rented fancy plates, mugs and silverware to make the dinner feel special.

The Grace Center, established in 2011, provides hot meals, case management, connections to resources, and a welcoming environment to members of the Gloucester and Cape Ann community who are in need.

Elizabeth Enfield shows off her ‘Friendsgiving’ dinner before digging in.

Courtesy photo RICK BLUE/