Many families had plenty to eat on Thanksgiving thanks to the generosity of Ottawa businesses.

Businesses donated food for 85 families for Thanksgiving. United Way of Eastern La Salle County helped coordinate the distribution of baskets through referrals from local agencies such as Alternatives for the Older Adult, Bridges Senior Center, Catholic Charities, Friendship House, Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living, La Salle County CASA and Youth Service Bureau.

"This effort demonstrates the compassion of our community to come together to help one another in a direct and tangible way," said Michelle Nelson, United Way programs director. "Some families cried tears of joy and relief when they were contacted. Many admitted they were unsure how they would have provided a meal for themselves for the holiday. This year, people were not only thankful for what they had, but were willing to share to make someone else's meal a bountiful one."

Participating businesses were Ottawa Regional Hospital and Healthcare Center, Kohl's Distribution Center, ITW-Zip Pak, First Federal Savings Bank, Handy Foods, Ottawa Delivered and Family Video.