Shown from left are U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mayor James Donchess and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) during this year’s Thanksgiving Community Dinner at Harbor Care Health & Wellness Center on Nov. 26. Courtesy photo/Harbor Care Health & Wellness Center

NASHUA – In keeping with a tradition that goes back more than two decades, the Harbor Care Health & Wellness Center opened its doors to 300 guests for the 21st annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Nov. 26.

“Our Thanksgiving Community Dinner is more than a meal, it’s a moment of connection, hope and support for over 300 individuals and families,” said Henry Och, president and CEO of Harbor Care. “It celebrates gratitude and fellowship, bringing our community together during the holiday season.”

Catered by the Common Man, the serving line included a number of elected officials including Gov. Chris Sununu, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte, U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH), U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Mayor James Donchess.

“Here in New Hampshire, the holidays are an opportunity to reflect on the past year and how each of us can give back to our communities and those in need,” said Kuster. “Harbor Care’s staff and the volunteers who go above and beyond to organize the annual Thanksgiving Community Celebration embody these values that make our state such a wonderful place to call home. I also want to extend my gratitude to Alex Ray and the Common Man for generously providing the meals for this event year after year. I’m honored to be here today to help support their work and ensure all of our friends and neighbors have a safe and welcoming place to celebrate the holidays together.”

When all was said and done, 400 pounds of turkey and 150 pounds of mashed potatoes had been served.

In addition to the Common Man, other sponsors include CGI Business Solutions, BAE Systems, McDonough Enterprises, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, NBT Bank, Easton & Berube Insurance Agency, Lowell Five, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital and Triangle Credit Union.

Ayotte invites New Hampshire residents to join her in continuing to give to those in need throughout the holidays.

“I thank the Common Man for providing today’s delicious food and Harbor Care for inviting me to join this wonderful event and for the vital work they do to provide housing, healthcare and veterans services to communities that need assistance in New Hampshire,” she said.

Pappas reminded everyone to look out for each other this holiday season.

“As we enter the holiday season, it is more important than ever for us to be there for our families, friends and neighbors in need,” he said. “I was honored to join Harbor Care to serve Thanksgiving dinner and to help support the work they do to assist Granite Staters in need, including our veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals in need of mental health and substance misuse treatment. Harbor Care’s work to ensure individuals and families have access to supportive services is critically important to the well-being of our communities and our state.”