PLYMOUTH, Wis. — Holidays surrounded by family isn’t always doable, especially for students living miles away from home. 

Lakeland University, in collaboration with staff and students, made sure to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a homemade dinner. 

The small campus housed more than 120 students through the holiday weekend, providing meals led by head dining services director Mark Wagner.

“Coming in on Thanksgiving to make [at least] one of our students happy, we didn’t take a double-take on that,” said Wagner. “We said we’re coming in and we’re going to make this meal!”

The three-people crew in the kitchen were able to offer a traditional free meal to any student on campus.

“I can always go by my family after I’m done with work, but they can’t go to theirs, so it’s a good feeling,” said Shelia Last, who is part of the dining staff.

Students quickly filled their plates with food through the line. Student Zach Cotton said it was a meal that he’d otherwise not have since he had to stay the extended weekend on campus. 

“There's a lot of students from down south here,” said Cotton. “Just giving us nice warm meals on the holidays because a lot of us can’t go home for the three days, it’s nice, shows they support us.”