November 7, 2011, Burlington, VT – As Thanksgiving approaches, Sweetwaters prepares for our community’s most celebrated dinner. For the past two decades, Sweetwaters has opened their doors to anyone who would like to join them for Thanksgiving Day dinner. They begin serving at 10am and look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces each year.
“Our Thanksgiving Day gathering has become a cherished tradition for many volunteers and guests. We are proud to be celebrating our twentieth year”, states Sweetwater’s Owner, David Melincoff. Many guests are in need financially, some are students who can’t get home for the holidays and others may have recently lost family members and friends. A common purpose amongst everyone, including volunteers is the feel of togetherness and community.
Sweetwaters gets over 100 volunteers throughout the day who serve, cook and clean. Many of them have been volunteering for years, and now do so with their kids and other family members. Many volunteers include those who have joined us in the past for dinner and remember how it feels to be in need and desire to give back.
Coat Drive
Thanksgiving Day starts off with a coat drive at Sweetwaters. This year we are in particular need of larger size men and women jackets, and will also be collecting hats, snow pants, mittens and gloves. Those in need are invited to come to our restaurant to receive a donation starting at 10:00am. However, last year people started lining up at 8:30am and in 1½ hours we gave away 1000 coats.
How you can help…
• Please drop your clean winter coats off at the Windjammer restaurant or, on the same premises, the Best Western Hotel, 7 days a week 24 hours a day up to Monday November 17th. Coats can also be dropped off at the Williston Central School during school hours through Friday the 18th and directly at Sweetwaters Restaurant from Monday November 14th- Wednesday the 23rd. Please try to avoid drops off during the middle of lunch and dinner.
• Food donations: Baked goods such as pies, cookies and cakes are always welcome. We would also like to send those in need home with additional food items. If you don’t bake but would like to give canned or boxed items, all donations will be greatly appreciated. Starting the Monday before Thanksgiving right up until Thanksgiving morning we’ll be accepting food donations. No need to call, just stop by Sweetwaters.
