TOLEDO, Ohio — The Cherry Street Mission is gearing up for its biggest day of the year, preparing a massive Thanksgiving meal to serve an estimated 700 people in need.
The mission starts its day at 5 a.m., serving hot cocoa to participants in the Turkey Trot before transitioning to meal service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
"Thanksgiving is our biggest day of the year," said Ann Ebbert, the mission's CEO.
The organization plans to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal for lunch as if the attendees are in a restaurant. 128 pounds of turkey, 130 pounds of pumpkin pie and 768 dinner rolls are just a few items staff are serving from noon to 1 p.m.
"It's probably the most important part of a meal like this for us to be able to offer community for people, to be able to offer the sense of hope and connection to other individuals," Ebbert said.
However, she said with rising food costs, meals throughout the years have become more expensive.
"Last year a case of eggs was around $22; this year it's around $47," she explained.
The meals are possible through community support, Ebbert said. The Thanksgiving lunch is provided by The Real Seafood Company and community members donate additional food.
"It's a blessing to be supported by our community like that," she said.
Cherry Street Operations Manager Kary Jo Gribble said she's worked Thanksgivings at the mission for eight years. While she's spending time away from her family to do it, she said it's worth it.
"To just be able to take all of the traditions that we have at home and be able to offer them to the guest — it’s my favorite holiday," she said.
For a list of free Thanksgiving meals in the area, click here.