LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Dozens of volunteers gathered on Christmas Eve to help ensure families across the region had a holiday meal.
The West Ohio Food Bank hosted its fifth annual Christmas Eve meal giveaway, distributing about 3,000 heat-and-eat turkey dinners to anyone who came through. In addition to the meals, volunteers also loaded vehicles with produce, bread and other perishable items to help families get through the holiday.
The West Ohio Food Bank relies heavily on volunteers to support its mission of ending food insecurity in the region, and leaders said they were grateful for the strong turnout.
“Oh, this is wonderful. We couldn't do this event without all of these volunteers, so we rely heavily on them. And it is just overwhelming the feelings that you get because of all the help of people stepping up wanting to make sure people have a meal on Christmas Eve," says Tommie Harner, CEO, West Ohio Food Bank.
“It's been just amazing to see everybody come together to prepare the food yesterday and then to deliver the food today. It's great to see neighbors serving neighbors. It makes me feel great, especially at Christmas knowing people are going to get a warm meal. Today is awesome,” says Joy Bischoff, board member, West Ohio Food Bank.
The West Ohio Food Bank will be closed through Jan. 4 and will reopen Monday, Jan. 5.
