WABASH VALLEY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — On Thanksgiving, several businesses were closed., but a few restaurants and churches stayed open to ensure people had a place to go and meal to eat.
For several years, the Ruth Marie Bauer Newport Thanksgiving Dinner has fed the community at no cost offering traditional dishes of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and more.
This year’s event was a carryout and delivery format instead of the traditional in-person gathering, but the holiday spirit was alive and well.
“It’s really fantastic the way people come together. What a better way to celebrate a holiday that focuses on gratitude than by giving back,” volunteer Teresa Shaffer said.
She adds it is important for her and her family to provide this resource, so everyone has a place to go.
“That’s what Thanksgiving is. This is our tradition; this is what we do. It is all about family and giving back to the community,” she said.
Up the road in the Historic 12 Points Neighborhood, for the second year in a row, Studio 12 gave out free Thanksgiving meals.
Co-owner, Lucy Chew, said 300 meals were prepped, and the leftovers would be given to area organizations.
Residents were treated to turkey, potatoes, a piece of Eric’s humble pumpkin pie and more.
“There is a big need in our neighborhood, and this neighborhood has been really supportive to us. We want to show our gratitude for that and support them back,” Chew said.
The store will close on Friday and re-open for small business Saturday.
In December, Studio 12 will collect funds for their ‘Pie It Forward’ campaign. This allows residents to sponsor a pie for a community-planned holiday party and Christmas dinner. More information will be released soon.
In Sullivan County, Joe’s Italian Foods fed 700-plus people at their annual Thanksgiving dinner. The restaurant offered carryout, dine-in, and delivery from 10 am to 1 pm. Meals were also sent to a veterans shelter in Hutsonville, Illinois.
Owner, Nora Leone, said this 17-year tradition is essential for the community.
“It’s very important; I don’t want people to be alone on the holidays. I think it is a wonderful thing to do. People always feel comfortable here,” she said.
