CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Pickaway County Roundtown Mission served up more than just a Thanksgiving meal this year; it served a message of unity and community spirit. On November 24, 2024 at the Watt Street tavern in Circleville, local organizers, spearheaded by Sam Sias, offered a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community, drawing in 500 to 600 people from all walks of life.
“This wasn’t just about feeding the needy,” said Sias. “It was about bringing people together—pastors, millionaires, Democrats, Republicans, people from every race and background. We had a room full of people loving people, without labels, without judgment. It was a beautiful day.”
The event, which aimed to create a space where community members could come together and share a meal without worry of status or title, was a resounding success. “It was a great experience,” Sias continued. “We had people who may have never interacted before, but on that day, they were just people sharing a meal together. That’s what it’s all about.”
The initiative was a small business-driven effort, with local businesses, volunteers, and community members pitching in to make the day possible. According to Sias, the overwhelming support from all corners of the community is a testament to the strength and unity of Pickaway County.
“This event showed me that there’s more good in this world than we often think,” Sias said. “Pickaway County is the best place to live in the world, and it’s the people that make it so.”
Looking forward, Sias and the Roundtown Mission team are already planning future events to continue building on the success of Thanksgiving. “We’re going to do something like this every six months,” he shared. “We’ll definitely do this Thanksgiving meal every year. And for the summer, we’re thinking of an event with the vibe of a field day, mixed with an Independence Day festival—lots of fun, games, and community togetherness. Nothing is set in stone yet, but we’re excited.”
To thank all the volunteers who made the Thanksgiving meal possible, Sias plans to host a pizza party and game night in January, along with monthly planning meetings for the next community event. “This is just the beginning. We’re going to keep this momentum going and bring people together.”
As the holiday season continues, Sias is taking a break to give volunteers and businesses some time off, but he’s already looking ahead to what’s next. His message is clear: in Pickaway County, the community is everything. And the Roundtown Mission is committed to fostering that spirit year-round.
