In Merrimack Valley, Thousands Without Gas Make The Most Of An Unconventional Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Massachusetts is characterized by innovative side dishes, the bounty of sports, and the vital need to help those struggling to make their Thanksgivings work.

That includes many families in Merrimack Valley, where thousands of residents and businesses remain without heat or hot water following the gas explosions in September.

The company responsible for those gas lines — Columbia Gas — is providing 23,000 Thanksgiving meals, which people can either take home or enjoy in designated community-gathering spaces. In addition to those efforts, local organizations and community members have been helping those affected by the explosions as the holiday season gets under way and colder temperatures are on the horizon.

Callum Borchers, WBUR Bostonomix reporter. He tweets @callumborchers.‏

Rev. Dana Allen Walsh, senior pastor at South Church in Andover.