ELKHART — It might be harder for some Elkhart County residents to come up with reasons to give thanks this year. In March, the county's unemployment rate rose to 18.9 percent.

In October, almost 15 percent of people in the county were still out of work. But a free community meal gave hundreds of residents in need reason to be thankful.

Dozens of Elkhart County residents lined up to enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal, all with reasons to be thankful.

“I have a roof over my head and everything, and I have my health,” James Kauffman of Elkhart said.

“It’s a blessing for us to just make it everyday. And this is nice for everybody to come to something free,” Monique Caples of Elkhart said.

Caples was out of work for the last year; her husband Anthony has been unemployed for almost two years.

They brought their five kids to the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner at the Matterhorn restaurant in Elkhart.

Major Steve Woodard of the Salvation Army helped organize the event.

“I get goosebumps thinking about every family that’s coming in here and they’re just excited knowing this is a place at least for today they can relax and have a good time and have plenty to eat,” Woodard said.

The Salvation Army and the Matterhorn restaurant expected to serve about 1,000 people this free Thanksgiving meal. The restaurant used to serve a spread just like this for about $20 a plate.

“They’re getting the same treatment that if they come and paid 18, 19 dollars to come in,” Woodard said. “And we wanted to make it special for them. There’s linen cloths, china, pie on china plates.”

“It’s lovely. It makes you feel like you’re at home. It’s really nice,” Caples said.

A delicious meal that made everyone feel good. For those who enjoyed it and those who helped provide it.

“This has been great,” Woodard said. “Because it really turns your heart.”

Woodard said they served 900 meals with the help of 200 volunteers.