Religion

November 22. 2012 11:05PM

Dinner for everyone on the holiday in Manchester

By TIM BUCKLAND
New Hampshire Union Leader

Brothers Dennis, left, and Michael Garczynski enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Church on Elm Street. Timothy Buckland (TIM BUCKLAND/Union Leader)

Father John Bucchino of Blessed Sacrament Church calls out table numbers for people waiting to get in line for a free Thanksgiving dinner the church offered Thursday afternoon. (TIM BUCKLAND/Union Leader)

MANCHESTER - Blessed Sacrament Church hosted a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday for anyone who wanted a hot meal in the company of others.

"No one should be alone on Thanksgiving," the Rev. John Bucchino said in between calling out table numbers for people waiting to get in line for turkey, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing and trimmings.

Bucchino said anyone was invited. You didn't have to be homeless or poor, he said.

"It's wide open," he said. "Even though many here have means to have a meal or cook for themselves, many of them are alone."

Brothers Michael and Dennis Garczynski enjoyed a meal at the church.

"They're thoughtful for having this meal for the public," Dennis Garzynski said.

The church relied on volunteers to serve the meal and act as ushers after collecting donations of food. He said the parish expected to feed about 200 people Thursday.

A live band was even in the room to provide entertainment.

"We make it like a family day," Bucchino said.