Local Businesses Unite to Serve a Thanksgiving Meal Filled With Heart

Lima businesses join forces to host first free community Thanksgiving meal

A Feast of Community Spirit in Lima

Unite to Serve a Thanksgiving Meal

LIMA, Ohio — In the heart of Lima, two local businesses transformed Thanksgiving into more than a holiday—they turned it into a celebration of unity, generosity, and simple human kindness. The Southhouse and Cater to You Party Rental teamed up for their first-ever free community Thanksgiving meal, creating an atmosphere where everyone could feel welcome and supported.

The menu was a beautiful blend of tradition and creativity. Families and individuals enjoyed comforting staples like turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes, along with flavorful extras including chicken spaghetti. A colorful dessert spread—pies, cakes, cookies, and more—brought sweetness and warmth to every plate.

The event was powered by volunteers whose hearts were as full as the plates they served. As Ashley Adkins from Cater 2 U Party Rental shared, “We have a lot of volunteers that cook, lot of people that donated drinks and cupcakes and cookies and pies, and also a lot of people help cook. We got people that’s volunteering, that comes to help serve. We have the lady that did the decorations for us as well.” Their combined efforts turned the gathering into something truly memorable.

And behind the bustling kitchen and joyful smiles was a deeper purpose. Robin Dukes, Owner of The Southhouse, expressed that spirit perfectly: “Times are tough on a lot of people everywhere, and I think we just wanted to get in the spirit of the holiday with no agenda behind it, we didn’t plan for so many people to come forward and volunteer and support us and provide we really wanted to just do this. And as you can see, even in tough times, people are willing to give.”

Organizers also recognized the creative minds who helped spark the idea—Bryan and Jermaine—whose support and drive helped secure donations and turn generosity into action.

This event is a shining example of what communities can achieve when compassion outweighs expectation. In a season often overshadowed by stress or struggle, Lima showed that kindness still has the power to nourish both body and soul. Acts like these remind us that the heart of Thanksgiving isn’t found on a plate—it’s found in people lifting one another up.

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