By Kelsey Bode, The Salem News
Hundreds of Lawrence residents impacted by the September gas explosions will have Thanksgiving meals this holiday season, thanks to local volunteers.
Every year Debby Marticio of Danvers holds a Thanksgiving dinner for thousands of people, and coordinates home deliveries for those that need it. Marticio, known locally as "Ma Duke," was able to raise money and coordinate volunteers to cook and deliver approximately 2,400 meals last year, she said. The meal includes turkey or ham, stuffing and all the fixings, and dessert.
This year marks her 12th annual Thanksgiving event, and she said she's already received about 2,000 orders. That includes requests for 300 meals for people impacted by gas explosions in Lawrence.
She thinks the total number of meals requested will rise to 3,000 by Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22.