Giving Back to the Community

The southwest corner of 10th Avenue and Jackson Street is filled with fun and delightful items for shoppers from the creative to the unique, and delectable drinks and snacks in the coffee shop to follow.

But Brand New Items and Coffee Shop wouldn't be where it is without the community support. And that is why Janette Ford and the store staff rolled out the banquet table to express her thanks.

"Without the community, I wouldn't have a business," she said.

She decided to offer the community her thanks, complete with turkey and ham, salads, sweet potatoes, and pie. No purchase. No gimmick. All she asked is people enjoy themselves.

Part of the motivaton is recognizing how many people are struggling this season.

"Right now, so many people are having a hard time," she said.

Customers were greeted Monday with the aroma of ham and turkey roasting in the kitchen. By Tuesday morning, banquet tables were out with plates packages ready to be filled with an early Thanksgiving dinner, and slices of pie ready to be assigned to a dinner.

Residents were welcome to eat in the coffee shop, carry-out or meals were delivered upon request. Tables were quickly cleaned with disinfectant when meals were done.

Ford said the dinner wouldn't have happened without the help of Charlotte Johnson, JJ Thorne and the store staff, as well as Fred Wiedeburg of the Veterans Service Office and the Kesselring family who delivered meals.

Donations were also accepted for Table of Grace and The Ark ministry in Sidney.