Wednesday showcased a true Belmont County team effort to distribute Thanksgiving meals to those who need them between Whiteside's, Riesbecks, St. Clairsville Police and Cumberland Trail Fire Department.

"We have got such wonderful people and they stepped up to the plate,” St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman said. “Our fire department, our police department and Whitesides to make sure a lot of people have a wonderful meal (Thursday). That's what community is truly is about, and St. Clairsville rocks."

Whiteside Chevrolet Buick GMC donated $4,000 to this cause, and their mindset echoed Thalman’s thoughts.

"It’s the least we can do to jump in and team up with these guys,” Whiteside’s Ted Showalter said. “They’re doing all the work. We're just putting the money behind it, and I think anyone that can should come on board this time of year and help people that are in need.”

The cooking, preparing, and packaging was handled by Riesbeck's, which was a lot of work. But those that prepared 200-plus meals were happy to do so.

"A lot of prep from the turkeys and the homemade dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn it’s basically all handpacked, all homemade,” Riesbeck’s store manager Dennis Kasprowski said.

The final step was both St. Clairsville Police and Cumberland Trail Fire Department to send these meals off to places like Kontogianni's senior apartments and others where people can enjoy them. Those dropping off the goods say it’s very fulfilling to give back to the community.

"It’s just a good time and opportunity for us to do another part of our job, helping the community out,” Officer Greg Clark said. “The community has a great involvement helping the older people out, families in need, and senior citizens.”