NORWAY — Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and enjoying a fine meal with loved ones — but for some, there isn’t always food available or family with whom to spend the holiday.

Fortunately, many places in Maine know the importance of community and the First Universalist Church in Norway is high on that list. 

In its fourth year of operation, the church’s Thanksgiving dinner serves about 70-100 guests in addition to the 20 meals delivered around town. 

Bob Ballou said when he and his friends started the dinner, they delivered about 25 meals to people they knew were in need. Ballou said they became “in tune to the needs around the community.”

But after seeing the poverty in person, he said, they knew they needed to do it again next year. 

Four people from different backgrounds came together to help others, he said. They said the only free Thanksgiving dinner offered in the area at that time was at St. Catherine of Sienna, and they wanted to provide another option. 

“It’s rewarding as heck,” he said.

Ballou said they are heavily supported by the community.

“It’s just amazing,” he said. “Once the community finds out what we’re doing, they want to be a part of it. It all comes together. No one’s ever said no to helping.” 

After that first year, they started serving dinner out of the Norway church. 

This year, they had some help from local businesses. Hannaford supplied the group with 10 turkeys, Valley View Farms donated 13 pies, and BJ’s offered other food donations.   

“That’s what happens around here,” Ballou said. 

“We’re looking forward to next year,” he said. “We start planning tomorrow. We don’t work on it every day, but while it’s fresh on our minds, we think what worked and what didn’t.”

Ballou said they started prepping food Wednesday around 3 p.m., late into the night, and were back on Thursday at 6 a.m. 

“I’m an insomniac, so it fits right in my schedule,” he said, laughing.

“If it weren’t for the community, it would be hard to do this every year,” Ballou said. “We don’t solicit anything, but some people will drop in donations.”

Ballou said it isn’t just those in need who stop by; it’s also those who want to connect with others in the community.

“Everyone is welcome,” he said. 

Their Thanksgiving dinner this year included fresh turkey, stuffing, potatoes, squash, tri-colored vegetables and pan gravy — all homemade. 

“Not every seat is taken at one time, but a lot of people come and go.” 

One man, who didn’t want to give his name, said his kids are grown and he lives by himself.

“This sure beats sitting at home alone,” he said.  

St. Catherine of Sienna in South Paris also served a free Thanksgiving dinner Thursday.