Tuesday, November 23, 2010
SALEM
The Salem Thanksgiving Community Meal project will provide hundreds of free turkey dinners with all the trimmings Thursday.
Last year, the program served 630 meals compared with 481 meals in 1998.
The program continues to grow, according to Jeff Schoch, senior pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford.
“I always expect a little more each year,” Schoch said.
He and Nancy Miller are the co-chairmen of the program that started about 22 years ago. She could not be reached.
The program came out of a casual conversation with Miller and Don Herr, who is the chaplain at the Columbiana County Jail, and others.
They decided to have the program at the Memorial Building, 785 E. State St. on Thanksgiving. The meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.
The meal is free to anyone regardless of income. Some people come instead of having to cook a meal for a small family. Others come to enjoy a meal and entertainment, which includes piano music.
People can ask for carry-outs, or drivers will deliver meals to homes. The delivery area is most of Columbiana County and southern Mahoning County.
Schoch said that students of Mike Viola, who runs Salem Pro Martial Arts in Salem, this year raised $1,788 to help with the costs by having a kick-a-thon. Students have sponsors who provide money on a per-kick basis.
“We have the volunteers and plenty of food,” Schoch said.
People can call for meals at 330-337-3728 until Wednesday, and can call 330-332-5512 the morning of the event. Walk-ins are welcome.