BRUNSWICK — All Saints Parish Youth Ministry will sponsor a roast pork dinner to benefit The Gathering Place on Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen St.

The dinner will include mashed potatoes, string beans, rolls and butter, dessert and a beverage.

The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-10 and $1 for children younger than 5.

The Gathering Place is a daytime drop- in center located at 84B Union St.. Since opening in February, a growing number of visitors have found fellowship in its safe, warm surroundings, according to a news release.

Refreshments are always available and the center’s quiet atmosphere provides a haven for those who want to talk, read, surf the web, play games, or just be with others.

Some who attend are homeless, the victim of circumstances beyond their control. Their stories highlight the vital need for employment, housing and daytime support for many in the community today.

According to the release, one man said, “If we didn’t have this, we’d have no place to go. Besides, I enjoy coming here. People are respectful and nice.”

Attendance is expected to increase as falling temperatures and cuts in federal heating aid make it hard to keep warm at home.

The Gathering Place is open every weekday, except Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As a faith-based venture, The Gathering Place receives no government aid. Most of its support comes from private donations and area churches whose members are quietly committed to helping others. Proceeds from the event will benefit both existing and new programs at The Gathering Place.