'Just come': Volunteer explains origin of annual Thanksgiving feast

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — The message to Milford and surrounding communities from the Milford Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the First Presbyterian Church is always clear: "Just come.”
Now in its 30th year, the all-volunteer effort sets up on Thanksgiving Day.
The tradition started 30 years ago when a local businessman, Roy Hull, realized Meals on Wheels didn’t deliver on one of the most important days of the year and decided to step in, Steve Davis, one of the volunteers, told The Courier spoke to a few days before Thanksgiving
“He raised money from local businesses, starting in the Episcopalian Church first,” Davis said.
The community effort soon outgrew the premises, and moved to the present location, although it’s not religiously affiliated with any church.
From the original businesses, others in the community joined in, and now between 130 to 150 meals are delivered on turkey day, plus another 100 or so sit-down.
“Originally, we took over the Meals on Wheels lists, and local Boy Scouts delivered the food,” Davis said. And they still use the lists.
Today, volunteers cook the turkeys in their own homes and then gather at the church in to morning to cook and prepare the other food. Many bring in their own, including pies and other desserts.
Davis stressed it’s all totally free, and there’s no check of any kind. Doors are open to all on Thanksgiving Day.
“We really want people to have Thanksgiving — not to be alone,” he emphasized.
Many volunteers come in the morning. The meal is over by around 2:30 to 3 p.m, with food being served buffet-style from the kitchen at around 10:30 a.m. They often go to join their families for Thanksgiving.
“There’s a real sense of community," Davis said.
Editor's note: See sidebar for details about Thanksgiving Day.