WESTBROOK – In years past, those with no families of their own could pass the turkey and stuffing with neighbors at a free Thanksgiving meal offered by the Salvation Army on Bridge Street.

But not this year – the Salvation Army in Westbrook closed in April and no group is filling that dinner void in the city this Thanksgiving.

There are, though, ongoing efforts to provide assistance to those who need it this holiday season. At the Westbrook Food Pantry, volunteers handed out nearly 200 boxes containing canned goods and other supplies this week.

The boxes each came with an additional $10 gift card to Hannaford. Jeanne Rielly, director of the food pantry, said they would not be able to operate without Hannaford’s weekly donations and the assistance of other local businesses.

Those boxes, though, do not provide the full Thanksgiving experience. No turkey, for starters. Rielly said some of those the pantry assists do not have ovens and cannot cook a turkey.

“These are the basics that they can heat somehow,” she said. “It’s not necessarily a Thanksgiving meal.”

At the Warren Congregational Church, there will be a free dinner on Christmas. However, the church, like others in the city, has no plans for a Thanksgiving meal.

“It would be wonderful if there were gatherings where people could come and get a meal” for Thanksgiving, Rielly said.

Linda Gordon, who ran a soup kitchen at the old Salvation Army, said the free Thanksgiving meal went beyond what type of food was offered.

“We had a lot of elderly people that really enjoyed coming there because we were like family to them,” she said.

The Salvation Army closure was a major disappointment for those who relied on it during a holiday season that can be trying for some, she said.

“They really, really miss everything the Salvation Army provided,” Gordon said. “They could come and just put everything behind them.”

Katie Camplin, the community coordinator with the Westbrook Children’s Project, keeps tabs on holiday assistance programs. She said she, too, is unaware of any free Thanksgiving meals in Westbrook.

It is a problem with a scope ranging far beyond Westbrook. Other communities are feeling the same strain.

Major Terry Shaffer at the Portland Salvation Army said the organization has been flooded with food assistance requests this year.

The Portland corps typically feeds hundreds of families by giving them a turkey and the trimmings gathered through donations. According to the Salvation Army website, 100 families may miss out this year as the demand has outpaced donations.

“Our shortfall to feed the extra families that have signed up for food assistance is a result of tough economic times in the greater Portland community. While there are many more families in need this year, the number of individuals and businesses donating to food drives has lessened because times are challenging across the board,” he said.

In Gorham, Mr. Bagel, located at 13 New Portland Road, is hosting multiple free dinners on Thanksgiving Day. Owner Heather Moody said reservations are accepted, but not required, for meals at noon and 3 p.m. There may be a third meal at 6 p.m. if demand warrants it, she said.

The Buxton Community Food Co-Op has provided supplies to families but will not be hosting a dinner, said director Joann Groder. The Co-Op could not host a dinner this year due to a lack of volunteers, she said.

There are free dinners in Portland on Thanksgiving Day. Offered by Wayside Food Programs and United Way, public meals are taking place at the Portland Club, 156 State St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., from 2-3:30 p.m.; and Immanuel Baptist Church, 156 High St., from 5-6:30 p.m.

In South Portland, the 15th annual free Thanksgiving dinner is taking place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall Post 832 on Peary Terrace. The South Portland Community Volunteers are sponsoring the home-cooked dinner with all the fixings.

On Sunday, Nov. 27, the Christ Chapel at 37 Northern Pines Road in Raymond is hosting a free community meal from 4:30-6 p.m.

Reporter Robert Lowell contributed to this report.