ASHLAND - The weather didn't stop three good friends from braving the cold Saturday and enjoying a free meal at the Christ's United Lutheran Church in Ashland.
The Soup Dinner was a chance for a "good meal and good social time," Elaine Stone, 70, of Ashland, said.
Stone brought her friends, Geraldine Mervine, 83, of Ashland, and Eleanor Fetterman, 81, of Fountain Springs, to enjoy the meal with her.
Those who attended the free meal could pick from a variety of soups, including chicken noodle, bean and New England clam chowder. Chocolate cake with peanut butter icing was one of desserts that people could select. Bread and drinks were also provided. The Rev. Kim L. Lengert led a church service after the meal for those who wanted to attend.
"We usually don't eat dessert," Mervine said after the trio finished their main courses, but added that the cake sounded so good they could not resist.
Druann Poda-Laudermilch and her husband, Keith Laudermilch, came up with the idea for the dinner, but they said members of the senior youth group, children ages 12 to 18, really got behind the idea. The members of the youth group served the food and helped out in the kitchen.
Laudermilch said Christmas is traditionally a time to give back, but the opportunity to make life better for others does not have to just be at Christmas.
Tyler Wolfgang, 13, Lavelle, a youth group member, said the free meal was a way to help out the community.
"It's good to give someone a free meal who needs it. It's good to give back," he said.
