Nearly 300 Community Members Celebrate Thanksgiving
“This is something to be thankful for. It makes me all warm inside,” said one of nearly 300 guests Tuesday at Harbor Care’s annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner.
“Servers” at the buffet, generously provided by The Common Man Family, included Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hasson; U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas; Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess; HUD Regional Administrator Juana Matias; and many state and city legislators. The traditional feast included roasted turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, apple and pumpkin pies, and more.
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Harbor Care welcomed our community’s most vulnerable members to share dinner and celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Harbor Care Health and Wellness Center on High Street.
“A sincere thank you to our staff, sponsors, legislators, and volunteers who supported this effort,” said Henry Och, President & CEO of Harbor Care. “Our Thanksgiving dinner allows us to gather with our community for a day of gratitude and fellowship and for a communal embrace in celebration of hope and peace for this holiday season.”
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Senator Jeanne Shaheen
“I was glad to attend Harbor Care’s annual Thanksgiving Community Celebration today to applaud the important work Harbor Care does on behalf of the community as well as assist in serving meals to those in need,” said Shaheen. “During the holiday season and beyond, it's important we work to ensure those impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity have access to the resources they need.”
Senator Maggie Hasson
“I’m grateful for all that Harbor Care does for veterans and Granite Staters in need, including health care, housing, employment support,” said Senator Hassan. “The turnout of volunteers we saw at Harbor Homes, today and at similar events across the Granite State, embodies the New Hampshire spirit of giving back to our communities, and I’m glad that I was able to take part in today’s event.”
U.S. Representative Annie Kuster
“Harbor Care is a lifeline for so many people in our community, especially during the holidays,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “It was an honor to join their 20th annual Thanksgiving Community Celebration and help serve holiday meals. Thank you to the dedicated staff and volunteers who go out of their way every day to ensure all of our neighbors have the support they need to thrive and a safe place to enjoy a meal over the holidays.”
U.S. Representative Chris Pappas
“I was honored to join Harbor Care to serve Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon and support the work they do to help Granite Staters experiencing homelessness,” said Pappas. “Harbor Care’s efforts to ensure individuals and families in need can access supportive services are critically important to the well-being of our communities.”
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess
“Harbor Care does so much for many facets of our community,” said Mayor Jim Donchess. “Their broad-reaching programs have helped countless individuals and families who struggle with many difficulties. It was my pleasure to be able to assist with their Thanksgiving celebration this year.”
In addition to The Common Man, major event sponsors included CGI Business Solutions, Eaton & Berube Insurance, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and McDonough Enterprises, and annual sponsors Clark Insurance and Enterprise Bank and Also, Bank of New Hampshire, Lowell Five, St. Joseph Hospital, Southern NH Medical Center, and Triangle Credit Union, as well as many other local businesses and organizations.