Compassionate Ministries of Lima revives Community Easter Dinner

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Compassionate Ministries of Lima brought back another former community tradition this Easter holiday.

The Christian non-profit, who is also responsible for bringing back the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, has now also restarted another tradition, the annual free Easter dinner. 

"We knew that historically there had been an Easter meal that happened here in Lima, and that different ministries around town did something, but that the Civic Center was no longer hosting the meal," explained Jonathan Burkey, the executive director of Compassionate Ministries. "So, we connected with the people at Tom Ahl's, we connected with the Civic Center, and asked would it be possible for us to provide again an Easter meal for the community. Because really, what better way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord than to bring people together around a table?"

Thanks to sponsors, there was enough food to feed 800 people. Around 80 volunteers of all ages helped out, some even coming in as early as 6am to prepare the meal. 

"People from different churches are here to volunteer, of course the people that are in the kitchen that are doing the cooking, people that are serving, they're directing traffic, all that kind of stuff. So it takes a full community to put something like this together," said Mary Monford, one of the volunteers. 

Many of the volunteers are the same individuals who donate their time to the annual Thanksgiving dinner, and for them, it's about more than just a hot meal. It's also about giving people who might not have any family a place for the holiday where they feel welcome and cared about. 

"We're all led to, you know? I mean, the good Lord's blessed us all and in turn, we're turning around and trying to bless the people of the community. You know, that's kind of the Compassionate Ministries, that's what we want to get out and do, and take care of the community," said Jay Edwards, the volunteer kitchen manager. 

"I love it. I love people, I love being here and seeing their smiles and speaking to them, saying Happy Easter and how are you doing, and things like that. So, it gives me great joy to do this, and I really thank the Lord for giving me this kind of ministry to reach out and help other people," Monford added. 

Any leftover food was donated to the local soup kitchen, Our Daily Bread.