Mansfield Times

Ashland County Associated Charities Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway

Associated Charities of Ashland County, at 240 Cleveland Avenue, held their annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway this morning, from 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. This event had cars lined up, all along 3rd Street.

The following volunteers helped pass out the food:  Troopers Brown and Sgt. Stryker from the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Coroner Assistant Jennifer Taylor, Kristin Flickinger from Wayne Savings, Noah Gangi. Sr., Hospice Community Liaison at HNCO, a member of the Ashland Young Professionals, and the wonderful staff including the two new employees, Laura Neff, and Ervin Yoder.

Prepackaged bags, filled with traditional Thanksgiving food items, plenty enough to make a family of four a delicious holiday meal, were all lined in a row, down the middle of the parking lot, at Associated Charities, with a line of cars on both sides.

A little humor made things light, as the volunteers assemble to get instructions from Associated Charities of Ashland County’s, Executive Director, Christine Box.  

I couldn’t remember Ervin Yoder’s first name and I called him Harley’s Brother. Harley Yoder is the owner of Red Barn Ice Cream. The rest of the day, everyone called Ervin Yoder, “Harley’s Brother.”

Ashland Post Trooper, Sgt. Stryker was “Just buttering people up,” with his enthusiastic butter dispersal skills, which brought humorous relief to a busy schedule. 

Once again, Tim Horton’s volunteered to donate coffee and their delicious hot chocolate, warming the hands of the volunteers, as they handed out food.

Associated Charities of Ashland County Executive Director, Christine Box said, “Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway wrapped up around 10:30 this morning, serving nearly 1,200 people, providing enough food to make a Thanksgiving meal, along with a turkey. We are thankful for the many hands that came together to make this such a successful event. We’re also very thankful for our community of donors who provided the food on this day. We are blessed by many who support our mission of caring. This season of thanksgiving is a time for us to be thankful, and to remember all in need. We are proud to be able to do just that.”

Christine Box gave a special thanks to the Ashland Post Troopers, and to the Ashland Young Professionals, and all the friends in the community who assisted today!

Stryker commented, “The Ashland Post is always thankful for the opportunity to assist the Associated Charities of Ashland, with the great things they do for the community.”

Ervin Yoder commented, “Joe, this was my first year helping and it was amazing to see the whole process. Chris Box does an amazing job with everything and making it run smoothly! Also, a huge thank you to the State Highway Patrol officers, Sgt. Striker and Trooper Brown, and everyone else who helped today!”

Noah Gangi Sr., Hospice Community Liaison at HNCO said, “Hospice of North Central Ohio has a legacy relationship with Ashland community. We take seriously the opportunity to help, and to do the right things for those in need. We thank Associated Charities for the opportunity to help on Thanksgiving.”

Wayne Savings Community Bank, Kristin Flickinger, said, “To be able to give back to a community that has given so much throughout the year, is truly amazing and humbling. I am beyond thankful that Wayne Savings Community Bank allows us to go out and serve our local communities, not all are as fortunate to be able to donate time. I always enjoy helping Chris out whenever she needs it.”

Ralph Eichelberger, of Transformation Network said, "One of the blessings of this season, is working with other members of our community from various walks of life to bless our neighbors. It was our pleasure to assist Associated Charities as they serve Ashland County."

All of the volunteers gave a shoutout to Tim Horton’s for the coffee & hot chocolate.

Original source found here.