“Several years ago, my daughter spent many nights in the Toledo Hospital Pediatric ICU. The Ronald McDonald house was a great place to take a break from being in the hospital with my daughter....I am so grateful to be able to give back to the Ronald McDonald House."

The Dough Hook is teaming up with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio to bring a Thanksgiving-style meal to persons in need this holiday season, according to Marlena Ballinger of the Main Street deli.

"We need your help," she said. "Throughout the month of November, The Dough Hook will collect pantry items for the Ronald McDonald house along with cash donations."

Pantry items may be purchased at The Dough Hook and include items such as noodles, canned meats, candy, and many other canned goods.

RMHC is also in need of frozen, packaged meat. Those wishing to donate a Dough Hook meat package may do so in our store, she added.

The Dough Hook team will cut and package the meat for the freezer. A complete list of requested items can be found at The Dough Hook.

On Dec. 3, The Dough Hook staff will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Toledo and prepare a Thanksgiving-style meal for the house guests.

"We will then take the gathered donations and stock the pantry and freezer at the Ronald McDonald House," Ballinger said.

As someone who had to utilize the house, Ballinger said that she is excited about giving back to the Ronald McDonald House of Toledo.

She explained: “Several years ago, my daughter spent many nights in the Toledo Hospital Pediatric ICU. The Ronald McDonald house was a warm meal, a soft bed and a great place to take a break from being in the hospital with my daughter.

"I loved that it is right across the street so if I was needed back at the hospital, I could be there within a few seconds. I am so grateful to have this platform to be able to give back to the Ronald McDonald House.

Those wishing to donate can stop at The Dough Hook, 117 N. Main St., Bluffton. Hours are Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m. tol 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Persons with questions may call 419-369-4264.