A holiday meal to warm stomachs — and hearts

A local business owner is teaming up with teenagers to feed residents on Thanksgiving Day.

John Osborn, owner of Charlie’s Ice Cream Parlor, will cook up enough turkey soup to feed 150 people.

Fresh roasted turkey noodle soup, to be specific.

And with the hearty holiday soup will be bread or a roll, pumpkin pie and a hot beverage. 

It’ll all be free, of course.

The idea was to “think of something the community might need this year — tough as things are around,” Osborn said. “Our point is to get it to the community, whoever needs it.”

It’s also an activity allowing teens to learn what it’s like to give back to their community. The Leadership Class at Baker Middle School will be helping to get the meals served.

Osborn has done a variety of other community-oriented things over the years, including coaching sports and being involved in the Cattlemen’s Association.

Soup service at Charlie’s is set to begin at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving. Meals will continue until 2 p.m. or until the food runs out — whichever happens first.

“We don’t know if we’ll be overrun,” he said. “But if you’re hungry, lonely, cold ... come down here.”

Many of Osborn’s relatives will be assisting in the effort. 

Osborn serves soup every day at Charlie’s as well as desserts, sandwiches and other items. But even he admits that enough soup to satisfy 150 people is a whole lot of steaming goodness. The big pots and pans definitely will be coming out.

Others interested in helping make this event happen can call 541-524-9307. Volunteers, donations of food, items for potential giveaway with meals, and money to offset costs all would be welcome, he said.

Brianna’s Breads will be providing a substantial number of white loaves.

ANOTHER FREE THANKSGIVING MEAL: Nov. 24 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 2107 Third St. Doors open at 10 a.m. with dinner starting at noon. If you'd like to have a meal delivered, call Sarah at 541-523-4817, Cindy at 541-523-4350, or Danielle at 541-523-3891 by 1 p.m. on Nov. 23.