Salem volunteers keep tradition of serving free meals

The program served a record 481 meals last year.

STAFF REPORT

SALEM — Hundreds of requests already have come in for the free Thanksgiving meals that will be served here Thursday.

Jeff Schoch, senior pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford, is coordinating the Salem Thanksgiving Community Meal, which will be served at the Memorial Building, 785 E. State St., Thursday.

Schoch said Monday that he already had requests for 325 turkey dinners.

Last year, the dinner, which is run by volunteers, served a record 481 meals.

This year, the dinner will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People may go to the Memorial Building and eat, or get a takeout order, or have meals delivered to their homes. People can customize their meals by picking dark meat over white meat, extra gravy or none, or extra rolls.

Schoch said the meals are delivered in surrounding communities, not just in Salem. Communities where food will be delivered this year range from Minerva to East Palestine.

“They’re kind of all over the place,” Schoch said.

To make reservations in advance, call (330) 337-3728. On Thanksgiving Day, people may call the Memorial Building at (330) 332-5512 after 9 a.m. for a meal.

Musician Kelli Williams of Mineral Ridge will perform during the dinners.

Schoch said that program has been offered for 16 or 17 years.

Some people deliver meals, others cook, and others fill orders. Approximately 100 volunteers take part.

The Salem Police FOP Lodge 88 and Salem Self Pro Martial Arts were especially generous in their donations, Schoch added.