AMHERST — Thanksgiving dinner put on by the Amherst Survival Center is always an opportunity for Lisa Foley of Belchertown to meet up with friends and acquaintances she might not see the rest of the year.
But as one with existing health risks, and understanding the dangers posed by COVID-19, Foley said it was logical that the customary buffet-style, sit-down meal, held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, couldn’t happen in 2020.
Picking up two “Thanksgiving to Go” dinners early Wednesday afternoon outside the Sunderland Road site, each with turkey and stuffing, potato, sweet potato and green beans, and options for gravy, cranberry sauce, a salad and roll, a slice of pie and a bottled drink, Foley sympathizes with those who missed companionship.
“It’s taking a toll and putting too much pressure on people,” Foley said of the pandemic.
Foley added that in addition to getting a meal for her mother, Doris Fleming, she would also be cooking a turkey for her mother later in the day, and then heading to a cousin’s house for Thanksgiving Day with under 10 people. “We’ll make sure everyone is safe,” Foley said.
Because there was no dining on site, and to adhere to safety precautions, many visitors lining up near the distribution shed, like Foley, were picking up meals for others, said Executive Director Lev Ben-Ezra. Within the first hour, 100 meals had been served.
To keep some of the cheer from the sit-down meal, on the fences surrounding the line were children’s artwork, each reading “Happy Thanksgiving” and featuring illustrations of turkeys, pumpkins and other seasonal items.
Nearby, Tim Van Egmond performed music on the hammered dulcimer. Receiving applause and thank-yous from those lined up on the cold, overcast day, Van Egmond said it was different being outside, but he was happy to oblige.
Richard Dresser, an Amherst resident who has been coming to the annual meals for many years, thanked those serving the streamlined meal, which didn’t have the 30 or more sides normally available.
Dresser would be enjoying his meal later in the day, and then on Friday, due to the anticipated rain showers, would have a friend over for a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner.
Still, while Dresser said he missed the opportunity to socialize, he was thankful to be provided the food and have good health, and wouldn’t be depressed not being able to chat with friends.
“You can’t let things like that bother you,” Dresser said.
