Rachael Ray Brings Holiday Cheer To Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Ohio - WLWT.com

Talk show host Rachael Ray will visit Wilmington on Sunday to deliver some holiday cheer to a city that is in desperate need of some good news.

One in every three families in Wilmington was affected by the pullout of DHL. Families are still struggling to pick up the pieces.

Mike and Susan Tuggle were both laid off from their jobs. They've opened a thrift store in downtown Wilmington as they try to rebuild their lives.

They said the departure of DHL has caused a ripple effect that makes it hard for other businesses in the city to survive.

"The attitudes and everything's changed here since DHL's pulled out of here. It hurts," said Mike Tuggle.

Susan Tuggle said it's even worse as the holidays approach.

"It's worry. It's fear," she said. "And the ones that are finding jobs are driving an hour and a half away for $10 an hour, so really, they're not making any money by the time they pay for gas."

The people of Wilmington have been the focus of much national attention. Jay Leno performed two free shows in Wilmington this past summer as part of his "Comedy Stimulus Tour."

Rachael Ray's visit Sunday will provide something more concrete -- a free holiday meal to residents who signed up by last Sunday's deadline.

Behind the Scenes

To put on a dinner that big, organizers said they needed an army in the kitchen and on the ground.

It takes dozens of people days to get everything just so before the show.

WATCH: Behind the Scenes

"We have 300 pounds of brussel sprouts, 400 pounds of green beans, 700 pounds of sweet potatoes, 700 pounds of mashed potatoes," Rachael Ray Show executive chef Scott Lamphear said.

They also used nearly a half-ton of turkey and 130 gallons of gravy.

The cooks even had some tips for people at home.

"Right here, we're making the sweet potato mash, and instead of adding the brown sugar, which we do add a little bit of, the trick to adding less is you can add some banana as a natural sweetness," chef Abby Bodiker said.

The crew spent the morning setting up lights and cameras, getting ready for the action.

Seventy volunteers were needed all around the grounds at the Roberts Ccentre to help put everything in place.

"The economy has caused this area to need an outreach program like this, and I was just very excited to be a part of it today," volunteer Susan Steck said.

The work wasn't going to end after the meal, either. The crew still has to tear it all down and get out of town.

You can watch "The Rachael Ray Show" from Wilmington on WLWT Nov. 25.

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