MANSFIELD — Giving back was part of Candice Williams’ DNA.
Candice, a Madison High School graduate, loved serving those in need, especially shut-ins and older adults, according to her mother, Theresa.
“One day we came home from church, and she’s kind of like me, she hangs around the elderly, and she knew two of them that were in their homes and no one else was there with them, and on Sundays and throughout the week when we had extras she would always ask me if she could take them a meal,” Theresa said.
Sadly, Candice died at the age of 19 in a car crash in July 2003 while on her way to a dentist appointment in Columbus.
One year following her death, her Mansfield parents, Ben and Theresa Williams, started an organization in her memory called the “Candice Williams Helping Hand Foundation.”
Since the organization’s inception 15 years ago, hundreds of locals have been served a free, yearly Thanksgiving feast. This year’s meal will take place on Nov. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Friendly House, located at 380 N. Mulberry St. in Mansfield.
The Candice Williams Helping Hand Foundation also gives back throughout the year by helping people in need with household chores and everyday tasks. Theresa said they’ve also been able to help meet certain needs; for example, they’ve given away four used mini vans.
“God’s blessed us 15 years of carrying on,” Theresa said.
Over the years, they’ve received overwhelming support from the community, especially during their Thanksgiving celebration. Theresa said they get volunteers from all over the area who help prepare, serve and deliver meals.
“Usually when I get there at 7 (in the morning), there’s cars already in the parking lot ready to go, ready to help,” she said.
If interested in volunteering, stop by the Friendly House any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 28. Donations, whether monetary or food, are also welcomed and appreciated. Send monetary donations to P.O. Box 1062, Mansfield, Ohio 44903. Food donations may be dropped off at the Friendly House the day of the Thanksgiving meal.
“Whatever people bring we just add it in and let the people enjoy it,” Theresa said.
Volunteers typically prepare about 24 turkeys and 20 hams, with all sorts of traditional Turkey Day sides that are made from scratch, including stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, yams, corn, rolls, eight different kinds of salads, and more. In the past, local pizza companies have also donated pizzas to add to the smorgasbord.
“We have a buffet,” Theresa said.
One thing’s for sure: no one leaves hungry, she said. Some even take home a plate of seconds.
Theresa said free cab service, provided by C&D Taxi, is available to those in need of transportation to and from the Friendly House by calling 419-756-3333.
Homebound seniors who are unable to make it to the Friendly House may have a meal delivered to them. Call 419-961-8334 starting Monday, Nov. 25 until Thanksgiving Day to arrange delivery.
Last year’s feast served about 970 people, not including the approximately 200 meals that were delivered, according to Theresa.
“It takes the whole community to make it go over, and it goes over really well,” Theresa said.
