Every Tuesday evening, about 65 people in need are served a hot meal thanks to Table of Plenty, a group of volunteers who come together to reach out and help their community.

Maureen McKeown was asked by her granddaughter to join her in volunteering at the Open Table in Concord, a food pantry that also offered weekly dinners for those in need.

"I started thinking, maybe we could do that too," said McKeown. "I met with a group of friends around my dining room table, and that's how this all started."

Table of Plenty was established as a non-profit organization and found a home at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in May.

"First Parish has been so welcoming and hospitable," said McKeown.

At their first dinner, they served seven people. Just seven months later, they currently serve an average of 65 people a week, and rotate the teams of 15 to 18 volunteers per week that are overseen by the 15 board members.

"We have incredible people on board," said McKeown. "It's amazing the number of people that are committed to this."

The cooks plan the meals each week, and food is provided through a private donation. In the future, Table of Plenty plans to reach out to local businesses to sponsor a weekly meal that usually costs around $200.

Table of Plenty is open to more volunteers for anyone looking to help prepare and serve the meal on Tuesday evenings. Their motto from day one has been "all are welcome—no questions asked, ever."

"There are people in the community that are in need, and we just want to do our part," said McKeown.

To learn more about Table of Plenty or to become a volunteer, visit www.tableofplentyinchelmsford.org.