Free Thanksgiving meals bring communities together throughout NW Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Cherry Road Mission continued its 75-year-old custom of internet hosting a Thanksgiving lunch for these in want in the neighborhood.

On the menu had been Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. A whole lot of hungry individuals piled within the doorways from 12 pm-1 pm.

“The entire mission begins with a very good heat meal and ends with group stability,” stated Anne Ebbert, President, and CEO of Cherry Road Mission. “Once we’re capable of provide meals, provide a heat house to be, provide actions, we consider that it actually helps individuals in their very own life really feel worthy.”

This 12 months’s meal was served restaurant model, the place company put in orders and meals was delivered to them by volunteers. ”It’s being served by actually 100 volunteers who’re coming in and serving at restaurant model so as a substitute of going by way of a line individuals will serve you and you’re going to get to decide on no matter you wish to have out of our menu that fits your specific pallet right now,” stated Ebbert.

“They’re simply all extraordinarily appreciative and I stated thanks and I’ve informed us joyful Thanksgiving. They’ve requested us how we’re doing and informed us to have an important day and it’s very humbling,” stated fist-time volunteer Geri Dennis.

Christmas is across the nook and Cherry Road Mission has loads deliberate. If you’re concerned with donating click on right here, and if you wish to volunteer click on right here.

In the meantime, over in Elmore, volunteers gathered at Woodmore Excessive Faculty the place they put collectively a drive-thru Thanksgiving feast.

There have been 300 hams, 300 turkeys, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and extra accessible free.

“Loving on individuals and serving individuals this time of 12 months, that’s actually what I take pleasure in’” stated Elmore Church of God Pastor Tom Willhardt. “Simply being out right here speaking with the totally different vehicles that drive by way of and the people inside. That’s what I actually like.”

Willhardt says their Thanksgiving meal is the one one given out without cost within the Elmore space on Thanksgiving Day.

“We don’t overlook concerning the individuals within the rural areas as a result of they’ve wants identical to the individuals within the huge metropolis. That’s why we do it out right here,” says Willhardt.

The drive-thru feast was successful with everybody who stopped by.

“I’m dropping meals off for 4 households,” stated drive-thru attendee Pam Imm. “All the things was fantastic. I used to return right here after they had been inside, and I received myself one with everyone else.”

“I believe it’s stunning. It’s nice. It comes out actual quick and it’s good and simple. It’s tremendous,” stated one other attendee Marty Matyas.

The individuals who went by way of the drive-thru say they’re grateful for group help and, after all, a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner.

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