Real Thanksgiving In Royalton- Y'all Come!

By Sara Nelson

If you've got no place to go this Thanksgiving, or if you'd like a chance to give back to the community, consider attending or volunteering at the annual Thanksgiving Day community dinner in South Royalton.

For close to a decade, the town has hosted a holiday buffet for the elderly, families in need, and just any folks who find themselves alone on the holiday. This year, at least 50 volunteers will prepare the dinner for close to 400 guests, organizer Marilyn Labadie said.

Labadie said volunteers can still sign up to help cook the meal, or deliver boxed meals to housebound seniors on Thursday. Also, donations of pie and cranberry sauce are still needed, and can be dropped off at the Chase Center Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Labadie, who is the associate director of records and registration at Vermont Law School, said she began organizing the annual event in 1998, after a Thanksgiving when she found herself with few people to cook for after her mother passed away. At that time, she was the manager of the South Royalton House Restaurant, and for several years the meal was held there.

This year, the community dinner will be held at the Chase Community Center at Vermont Law School, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Labadie said the event has always been a community effort. This year the Café donated the turkey and peas, local farmers donated potatoes and squash, and White River Paper donated the to-go boxes. Community members are responsible for donating other parts of the feast.

If you can help, or for more information, call Labadie at 802-831-1251.