Another ‘amazing community tradition’ on Hilton Head canceled due to the coronavirus

Even cherished traditions are put on hold due to the coronavirus.

Organizers announced Thursday evening that Hilton Head Island’s 22nd annual free Thanksgiving Dinner, typically hosted at Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks, will be canceled for 2020.

“We care about our community and are aware of heightened warnings from the CDC, especially regarding Thanksgiving gatherings. The main concern is the safety of our guests and volunteers,” Gloria LaCoe, of sponsor St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, wrote in a brief news release.

Last year, over 1,500 people gathered at the waterfront restaurant to share company over family-style food.

Around 350 volunteers spent the holiday serving their community, too.

The meal is usually free, but volunteers accept donations to benefit The Deep Well Project, Second Helpings and Bluffton Self Help.

“It’s disappointing to have to cancel such an amazing community tradition, but we knew it was the right thing to do,” Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks owner Andrew Carmines said.

Katherine Kokal

The Island Packet

843-560-9158

Katherine Kokal graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and joined The Island Packet newsroom in 2018. Before moving to the Lowcountry, she worked as an interviewer and translator at a nonprofit in Barcelona and at two NPR member stations. At The Island Packet, Katherine covers Hilton Head Island’s government, environment, development, beaches and the all-important Loggerhead Sea Turtle. She has earned South Carolina Press Association Awards for in-depth reporting, government beat reporting, business beat reporting, growth and development reporting, food writing and for her use of social media.