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50 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, November 25, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 15, 2004 Caring Friends needs donations for holiday dinner ASHLAND — A local nonprofit group responsible for the community’s only free Thanksgiving dinner needs turkeys, hams and other holiday food items for its 13th annual meal. Leftovers go to those in need. Cori Tye-Couch, Thanksgiving coordinator and board president of Caring Friends, said only a few donations have come in so far. "It’s been real slow," she said. "It hasn’t really hit yet." Tye-Couch said the group usually averages anywhere from 125 to 200 donated turkeys — with more than a week to go until the big day, she believes things will pick up. "This is our 13th year, and it normally tends to take care of itself when word gets out that we’re doing it again," she said. Advertisement Caring Friends’ Thanksgiving dinner was founded by local restaurant owner Marty Bryant. When Bryant moved here, he was surprised to learn there was no community Thanksgiving celebration in Ashland. He’s pleased the event has grown each year to become such a focal point. "Every year, it gets bigger than the year before," he said. "It’s a staple now and is expected. "It’s probably one of the best days of my life. It’s amazing to see the support for it from the community. If it wasn’t for the community, it would have failed its first year." Turnout ranges from 500 to 800 people, Bryant said. About 100 to 175 volunteers help out each year, he said. Volunteers include students from Ashland Middle School, who make pies and peel potatoes. Eunice Rosenfeld of Talent has volunteered all 13 years. "It’s great because it draws a lot of people that have nowhere else to go," she said. "I think Marty walks on water, because he started this and he’s really into helping others." Bryant said cans of food and dry goods can be dropped off at his restaurant, Fast Break Cafe & Grill, 60 Lowe Road near Interstate 5, and at Rock-n-Rolla’s, 545 Clover Lane. Perishable items such as turkeys and hams can be dropped off at the Irish Pub, 137 E. Main St. The dinner will be held on Nov. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Oregon National Guard building, 1420 E. Main St. For more information, or to volunteer, call Cori Tye-Couch at 245-6980. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities