For the fifth year in a row,

Nick Papadopoulos, owner of Midcoast Pizza & More, will offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner free of charge to those who can’t afford their own.

Papadopoulos had offered the free holiday meals a few times in the ’90s, but the tradition really got rolling five years ago. While the number of people who ask for a free meal differs from year to year, Papadopoulos expects more than 150 this year.

“Some years we sell out; last year was a little slow. I don’t know why it is like that,” he said.

The restaurant is open from noon to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving for anyone to come by and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Those who can’t afford their own meal can enjoy a spread of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and more. Those who are unable to travel can call that morning to request to be chauffeured by taxis from Platinum Plus or one of Papadopoulos’ own drivers free of charge.

“We bring them here, we feed them, and then we take them back free of charge,” he said.

His team will also be making some deliveries to seniors that can- not leave their homes.

For Papadopoulos, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give back. An immigrant from Greece, he understands what it feels like to have little.

“I’m an immigrant. I came to this country with nothing, and now I’m able to feed 100- 150 people out of my own pocket. I love doing that,” he said.

While he doesn’t need any volunteers, Papadopoulos encourages others to give back as well by donating to the Bath Area Food Bank. Last year, he was able to collect $1,000 for the organization, which provides food baskets to nearly 200 people in the greater Bath area for Thanksgiving and for Christmas.

As long as he is able, Papadopoulos plans to keep up his Thanksgiving tradition.

“I want to do it no matter what,” he said. “As long as I’m here — because, you know, I’m a senior citizen and I’m not going to be here too many years — I’m going to keep doing it.”

nstrout@timesrecord.com