Local Stillwater family brings Thanksgiving to students

STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — Not all Oklahoma State University students are able to make it home this Thanksgiving, but one family is making sure students who are staying on grounds this holiday stay fed.

"If you've ever been away from your family during the holidays, you understand that ache in your heart when you can't be with the people that love you the most,” said Tara Rose, owner of Magnolia Fresh Baked Goods.

It's a feeling Tara Rose and her family are ensuring OSU students don't experience this holiday season.

"We started planning and putting our thoughts together back in august, like we've just loosely been planning, but we've been chopping and roasting turkeys all week,” said Rose.

"We did this last year, and we've had about 150 students,” said Rose.

Tara and her daughter, Lindsey, started using their business Magnolia Fresh Baked Goods to give back to the community.

"Getting to learn people's stories and talking to them and getting a personal connection or at least kids are going through a lot and don't always get to talk about it. So, getting to be that person feels wonderful."

The mother and daughter duo use their truck, loading up meals and heading to campus where they stage the parking lot in front of the dorms as a dining space.

"We'll have a hot drink fire because it's going to be so cold,” said Rose. Hot drinks, Warm hearts and a reason for students who are Oklahoma transplants to be thankful.

“This is our second year and as long as I’m physically able. Yes, we will. It's our very favorite thing that we do,” said Rose. “We just want them to come and feel loved and instant spending time with somebody who really cares about them.”