Somersworth Restauranter Gives Back This Thanksgiving.

This years Thanksgiving celebrations took on a life of it's own for one Somersworth Restaurateur and his family.

Albert Lavalley who owns and operates Old Rail Pizza Co. which is located in downtown Somersworth, began to discuss plans for the families thanksgiving feast some time ago. They decided to cook and eat in the restaurant, in part, because it has a great kitchen. Many of the restaurants regulars asked him the same question and it wasn't long before several commented that they had nowhere to go this Thanksgiving. That was when Lavalley decided to open the doors of Old Rail Pizza and offer any one in the community a free Thanksgiving meal.

What began as a simple idea quickly became something much bigger, and resulted not only in the Lavalley family giving back to a community that they have been a part of for just over a year. As word spread many other local businesses expressed a wish to get involved and before long, several other local businesses and organizations had donated items for the community meal.

Those local businesses included: Leaven, Jenneto's, Favorite foods, Fiddlehead Farms, JAK excavation, Dowling Hvac, Idlehurst school, and the Somersworth High School Honor Society who all devoted items for the feast, which was then prepared and served by the capable staff of Old Rail Pizza Co.

17 turkeys, 4 hams, several green bean casseroles, 100lb's of mash potato, and homemade stuffing with all the trimmings were prepared and were ready to be served by 12 noon on Thanksgiving day. There was plenty of food for everyone and many came down and ate, myself included. Many sat and chatted with friends around the tables, and all complimented the chefs on a great Thanksgiving meal.

The Levalley family, asked nothing in return for the meal but donations were welcomed, and still are, if you were unable to make the meal itself. The family is going to use money that is donated to buy toys for the Somersworth Firefighters Toys for Tots program that runs this December. If you would like to donate simply drop into the Old Rail Pizza Co. which is located at 2 Main Street, Somersworth.

The family expressed their wishes to repeat the meal next year and if you missed this years event it comes highly recommended from this writer. It was great to see local businesses giving back to the community and help make this a very special thanksgiving for many, including the Lavallay family.

You can find more articles and local coverage from Jenne Holmes SomersworthNow.com.