Copper Grill owners give out 300 meals on Easter Sunday

More than 300 people got to enjoy a fresh, hot meal on Easter Sunday, courtesy of John and Sandra Eagleburger, owners of Copper Grill. Though the restaurant has been closed since mid-March, the Eagleburgers opened its doors and, with the help of almost 20 volunteers, prepared and handed out the meals to about 200 people at the restaurant; the rest were delivered.
Sandra Eagleburger said she felt strongly that she needed to do something for the people of Ash Grove.
“The feeling of not doing anything for my community was weighing very heavy on my mind,” she said. “A friend suggested we do a meal and it took off from there. We can’t help but worry about the folks that are by themselves and alone during this time. Many have not had visitors nor can they get out into the community. So, I decided to throw out the idea to the community and got an overwhelming response.”
Part of that overwhelming response came in the form of donations of food from those who wanted to help.
“I would say every cook in Ash Grove donated desserts,” Eagleburger said. “I put a request on Facebook (that) we needed more hamburger meat and 20 pounds were donated. We had ham donated and Easter bags with candy.”
Eagleburger also said so many people volunteered to help, she actually had to turn some volunteers down because of social distancing concerns.
“Anyone that wanted to do something I gave them a job,” she said. “This is our town and I wanted everyone to feel like they were doing something. I did have to turn some help away because I was afraid we would get into trouble for having that many people in one gathering. The Ash Grove cops would be put in a difficult situation had they needed to get involved.”
There were also monetary donations; Eagleburger said almost $350 was donated by various people; that money was donated to the local food pantry. Also donated were 100 leftover desserts, which were taken to the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility.
The people who received the meals were extremely grateful, Eagleburger said.
“Some cried, some could not believe we remembered them,” she said. “Some felt undeserving. Most were just grateful to see a friendly face on Easter Sunday. I can say everyone was grateful and thankful for a warm meal.”

Social distancing
While all the volunteers wore gloves and masks while preparing and handing out meals, Eagleburger said she found social distancing requirements difficult to follow while seeing familiar faces at the restaurant.
“I will admit my biggest issue on this day was not being able to give hugs to the people we have not seen in a month due to the restaurant being closed, or a hug to someone who needed one, or a hug of gratitude to those that served and donated,” she said.
Eagleburger said she would give out meals more often if it was possible for her.
“Serving my community and those that need someone is a passion of mine,” she said. “My husband is always ready and willing to help in my crazy ideas. If I could do this on a regular basis, you bet I would. I have a heart for people who need love, compassion and empathy. Sometimes all it takes is one person. I love my community.”
Additionally, Eagleburger said she wanted to give back to the community, as Ash Grove has supported the Copper Grill for many years.
“Ash Grove has been very good to my family,” she said. “This was a small gesture to pay them back for supporting us for the past eight years. Every one of the folks who volunteered their time and food are customers of Copper Grill. People should take note of this town and its love for one another. I encourage everyone to do something for someone else today. This is a time when so many people need one another.”