Donald Oakes’ son Jameson loved Thanksgiving. His character, as Donald describes, was emblematic of what the holiday entailed. Donald describes his son as a generous, community-oriented young man.

When Jameson died by suicide in May 2024, his father’s world was flipped upside down.

Oakes has dedicated a lot to his son, including a community woodworking shop, Mainely Makers, in West Kennebunk in honor of the trade that he worked with his son, who he refers to as “Boo.” For the second year in a row, this Thanksgiving, Oakes will host a dinner open to the entire community in honor of his son and the holiday he loved so dearly.

“I just couldn’t stand letting someone be alone on a holiday,” said Oakes.

Oakes has the dinner planned to a T. He and his co-host, Albert Howes Jr., even have three turkeys ready for the big day. The details of the event are listed in his open invite on his Facebook page. Oakes really wants to ensure that everyone in the community feels they have a place at the table.

“We’re gonna be open and judgment free,” said Oakes. “It’s just gonna be no drunk uncles and no politics.”

When his son died, Oakes remembers how supportive his community and closest friends were in keeping him on his feet. He thinks of the gathering as nothing more than him spreading the wealth. What he really wants to emphasize with this dinner is that sense of community; if you do not know anyone at the event, that just means you are one more friend they haven’t yet made.

Oakes is also of the sentiment that it’s not just about the community, but this year especially, it’s about the food. He was concerned when distribution of SNAP funds became uncertain due to the government shutdown, and although it has reportedly been resolved, the thought of community members going hungry due to food insecurity is still on his mind.

While he encourages anyone who would like to contribute food to do so, he insists that it is not a necessity. With the help of his co-host, Howes, Oakes plans to “step it up” to feed anyone who walks through the door. Oakes said that even if they’re able to just help one person, that is all that matters.

Jameson and his father worked together on a backroom addition to the house. Oakes plans to have the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade play on the television in that room, as his son enjoyed watching the parade every year. The football game will be on the TV in the living room, and anyone is welcome to come to watch, eat, or just socialize.

In Oakes’ house, as he states in his online invite, there is a seat for everyone at his table, and plenty of parking at his house. The only thing required is an RSVP on his Facebook page.

Oakes’ open arms policy doesn’t just extend to the holidays. He encourages anyone who feels alone to reach out for a supportive shoulder to lean on at any time.

“Suicide is a very, very permanent solution to very temporary problem,” he said. “Talk to each other. If we don’t talk to each other, how can we help each other?”