Man Brings Strangers Together On Thanksgiving

BOSTON (CBS) -- Scott Macauley is adamant: No one should be alone on Thanksgiving.

He doesn't just believe this, he does everything he can to make it happen. He asks, "Would you want me to be home alone on Thanksgiving? No, that's sad, that's a bummer, that stinks, it's no good."

With help from friends and family, every year Scott hosts a full Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who would otherwise be alone.

Karen Anderson reports.

Scott started the tradition when he was 24-years old. His parents were divorced that September. "Everyone was fighting with each other and if you were nice to one parent, the other won't talk to you. So I said to myself, 'What's going to happen to Thanksgiving? I will probably be stuck home alone. That isn't happening.

"So I put a little blurb in the Melrose Free Press and said I will cook Thanksgiving Dinner for up to 12 people if they thought they'd be alone for Thanksgiving. And 13 people came."

Since then, his dinner has gotten larger and larger. After outgrowing his home, Scott began hosting at his local church in Melrose. He brings in arm chairs, a gas fireplace, and faux wood stove to make it feel like a home.

This year, Scott served more than 50 people. They come from all walks of life. Some have recently lost spouses or parents, others have family members who are out of state.

He also delivers meals to police officers on duty.

Scott has never asked for donations, and says he never will. "If I'm giving them a better Thanksgiving that's worth it right there."