Action for Animals Maine (AFAM)  held “Friendsgiving” for around 120 Lincoln County community members Nov. 13 at American Legion Post 36. AFAM President Giselle Armstrong and Vice President Clint Miller said the event allowed the organization – whose mission is to help those who cannot afford veterinary care – to give something back to the community.

“The aim is to raise money to help people and animals, but it's also to bring more awareness to our foundation,” said Armstrong. “We also wanted to make this more of a community event.”

The dinner had a suggested donation of $10 per person, and donations were accepted but not expected, Armstrong and Miller said. The event’s purpose was to be a Thanksgiving for those who may not be able to join family or friends for the annual tradition later this month.

Friendsgiving also allowed volunteers to continue their support for AFAM’s cause. The First National Bank Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta branches had 10 volunteers throughout the afternoon helping greet and serve in the hall and rushing to-go orders outside.

Boothbay Harbor branch’s Brenda Blackman said they have supported AFAM for a couple years and have sponsored several of its events. Blackman said the bank’s crew would also be helping bring all the leftovers to Boothbay Region Food Pantry. “It's a great community event and we're always willing to support the community and do what we can to help. Whoever asks. And usually the whole branch volunteers working in shifts.”

Volunteer Kari Smith, one of the region’s new permanent residents, said she has seen the work AFAM does and wanted to help. “I asked if I could volunteer and how I might get involved and this was one event I was able to come on out and help out (at). I really like the idea of helping people on the financial side of pets and veterinary care and food and stuff. When that gets difficult then it's really hard on people.”

Part of the proceeds will go to the Giving Tree at the YMCA. That program puts gifts under the tree for children.

The dinner was a huge undertaking for AFAM, but spreading the same kind of love and support the community always does was important especially around Thanksgiving, said Miller. “We really just wanted people to be able to get together and enjoy themselves,” said Armstrong. “They've helped us out so much in the past.”