There’s an extra special Thanksgiving taking place today among Haverhill’s most in need.
It’s special because it might well have not happened if it weren’t for volunteers and donors who quickly resolve a stove and oven malfunction threatening today’s planned Thanksgiving meal for 75 to 80 people at Community Action’s Drop-In Center. One volunteer, Ward 3 City Councilor Devan M. Ferreira, was in the thick of it Tuesday when she received a timely call.
“We were doing potatoes and stuffing and all that good stuff ahead of time. We had an appliance failure and moments later Councilor Basiliere was calling me to chat, which we do often. It was perfect timing as he had people on hand and ready at our door within moments really,” she told WHAV.
Ward 1 City Councilor Ralph T. Basiliere called on his cousin, William Griffin, owner of Affordable Restaurant Equipment to drop everything else and help. Ferriera was more than grateful. “They were great and they came right in and got us up and rolling and we were back to work really quickly,” she said.
Basiliere said volunteers were told by another vendor that no one is available to make repairs until February and, even then, it would likely cost $7,000. The councilor said, “We didn’t have time for that. We’re very happy to save this Thanksgiving for our less fortunate brethren.” He added Griffin donated labor and materials.
The drop-in center, housed at the Universalist-Unitarian Church in Haverhill, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Ferriera calls it a one-stop spot, providing breakfast, access to health care, guidance on finding housing and paying bills and other services.
Those who wish to help may make checks payable to Community Action and write “drop-in center” in the memo area.