Troy L. Milliron 
Sullivan, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Joe’s Italian Food in Sullivan, Ind. hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner for members of the Sullivan County community on Thursday.
Community members were able to get a free meal from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and had the choice of dining in, takeout, or having food delivered.
Nora Leone, owner of Joe’s Italian Food, said they’ve been doing it for 15 years and it’s something they enjoy more every year.
“We look forward to it every year. Last year because of COVID we couldn’t do it so we’re really excited,” Leone said. “I just think it’s a good something to do and give back to the community.We have lots of volunteers and they all look forward to it every year.
Leone said that while they could have made the decision to close the restaurant for the holidays, she would much rather help the community.
“A group of young children who were helping their mother in labor just said ‘it’s so exciting to show up on someone’s doorstep and they’re so excited to see you and so grateful that we’re doing this’ and that is the same for me,” Leone said.
She said she lost count of how many people they could serve, but he stayed busy all afternoon.
“It’s a tough process to cook 40 turkeys and 40 hams for between five and seven hundred people, but it’s so rewarding to give back,” Leone said.
Leone said she looks forward to continuing to give back to the community in the years to come.
