Anatolia restaurant in Bloomington is doing what it can to foster kindness and compassion this holiday season. The Turkish restaurant opened its doors Wednesday to anyone who wanted to come in for dinner on the house and it recruited volunteers to take hot meals to those experiencing homelessness in the community.
Sibel Karakocek runs the family owned restaurant. She says it’s a strong sense of community that has kept the business operating for a decade and a half. She says looking out for others is the hallmark of a good community.
“I believe that if there is one person who is in the street, hungry, in need none of us is successful. I cannot change the whole world, but you know I have to do whatever I can," she says.
The 4 th street staple was closed for regular business on the first day of the 2020, but staff was busy cooking as volunteers fanned out across the town to find those in need and provide meals.
Organizers planned to hand out around 100 meals during a 3 hour period. She says they plan to offer food to the community once a months starting this year.
