Ashland County Council on Aging Expresses Gratitude to First Responders with Free Drive-Thru Lunches

Joe Lyons • August 6, 2024

Ashland, OH – The Ashland County Council on Aging has extended a heartfelt thanks to all Ashland County first responders by organizing a special event called the “Dog Days of Summer Free Grab & Go Lunch.” The event, set up under a little tent at 240 East Third Street, offers a complimentary lunch every Tuesday throughout August.

Sandy Enderby, the director of the Ashland County Council on Aging, shared the motivation behind the event. “Every Tuesday for the month of August here on 3rd Street, we have a drive-thru for our Public Safety services partners. We feel that we want to give back to the community and appreciate the ones who take care of us and protect us,” said Enderby. “So, we have a free lunch every Tuesday for the month of August. It’s a drive-thru between 11:30 and 1:00. They can come by, get a packed lunch, and be on their way. It’s just our way of giving back to our service guys and gals who put their lives on the line for us in our community. We do appreciate our first responders.”

The lunch includes a hot dog, a bag of chips, a cookie, and drinks, all served with a smile from volunteers. Among the volunteers is Shirley Jordan, who just celebrated her 90th birthday. Jordan, formerly known for her “Shirley’s Kitchen” at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, was the grill cook for the event, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the occasion.

The Ashland County Council on Aging invites all first responders to take advantage of this small token of appreciation. The drive-thru lunch not only provides a quick meal but also serves as a reminder of the community’s gratitude for the unwavering dedication of its first responders.