LAFAYETTE, La. — As families across Acadiana gathered for Thanksgiving meals, volunteers at St. Joseph Diner spent the holiday making sure no one went without a hot plate.

“We are visiting Lafayette and it's Thanksgiving and we are far away from home,” said Lisa Akien, who stopped by the diner with her husband.

The couple decided to spend part of their holiday helping out in the Hub City.

“We wanted to be with people on Thanksgiving and help out,” she said.

Lisa and Tom Akien took on dishwashing duties Thursday. For Tom, it was his first time volunteering in a soup kitchen.

“This is a day where people celebrate being with friends and family and having the support of close people that love them,” he said. “And if that’s not your situation, this is a great place to have that experience.

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