Bobs Diner gives thanks and free meals on Thanksgiving Day

It was just over 8 years ago on a sunny fall Sunday morning when Brewster resident, Thomas Sprague was sitting in church and a thought occurred to him. "Feed the people". He's not sure why that popped into his head but he knew he had to do something. As owner of Bob's Diner in Brewster, he had the means and wherewithal to do so. After discussing the matter with his family they all decided to open the diner on Thanksgiving Day that year and feed people free of charge.

Tom and his family did all the cooking that first year and the following year local residents donated food to help him in his quest. The last 8 years has seen a growth in the number of meals he serves and he started soliciting donations. The community has responded in kind donating baked goods and side dishes along with several cooked turkeys, everything needed to serve a hot meal to several dozen people who attend each year. In the last few years, Tom estimates he feeds anywhere from 40 to 60 people free of charge. He provides the venue and dishes and the community provides everything else. No one has been turned away as there is always more then enough donations from residents to ensure that everyone enjoys a good home cooked meal and good company.

The diner opens for business as usual on Thanksgiving morning then closes at 1 pm as he and his staff accept and set up the donations. They re-open at 3:30 p.m. and serve until 8:30 p.m.

Everyone is more than welcome to join Mr Sprague and his family at Bob's Diner next Thursday, November 24th from 3:30pm until 8:30pm for a free meal. If someone you know has nowhere to go, no family or friends to share the day with, little or no money, Please send them to Bob's Diner where they can enjoy a traditional thanksgiving meal free of charge and meet new people and make some friends.

If you would like to help, donations of food... a vegetable, a side dish, or any type of dessert would be very much appreciated. You can also help by making a monetary donation to Capital District Youth for Christ for Ray Lightcap. CDYC is an organization located in the Albany area that is dedicated to empowering young adults and helping them stay off the streets.

Bobs diner is located at 27 Main Street in the Village of Brewster. Food donations can be dropped off at the Diner thanksgiving day after 1 pm on Thursday, November 24th.

If you have any questions you can call the diner at 845-278-2478. Tom and his family look forward to this every year and thank everyone for their generosity in making it a great day for all involved.

Photo Courtesy of Bob's Diner's Facebook Page.