For another year, the act of feeding anyone who needs a meal in Concord on Thanksgiving Day is taking place at the Windmill Family Restaurant on Loudon Road.
It’s become a monumental undertaking that began 32 years ago by patriarch Louie Smirnioudis, who passed away in 2013. In 1990, Smirnioudis worked with a soup kitchen with the idea to feed the community a Thanksgiving dinner. That year they served 12 people.
The tradition grew year after year and has continued under the leadership of George and Kosmas Smirnioudis. Now thousands of meals go through the restaurant each year.
As the effort to provide free holiday meals has expanded, so has the number of people who pitch in to make sure everything gets done in time, especially the restaurant employees.
This year, the event includes a new feature – Concord Area Transit is providing free round-trip bus service to the Windmill Restaurant from anywhere in Concord on Thanksgiving Day. The deadline has already passed to reserve a ride.
Those who would like to volunteer next year or support the Windmill with a donation now can call the restaurant at (603) 225-0600.