Village pulls together to lend a hand.

Byline: Maria Lockwood

Nov. 5--Whether you're looking for gifts, entertainment, clothing for the kids or a way to make a difference, Solon Springs has it all. This weekend, the small community is giving back with a day of thanks.

Three businesses -- the Garden House, Solon Springs Mercantile and the Little Gift House -- teamed up to support local nonprofit organizations.

"It's easier to reach out to everyone when so many people work together to make things happen," said Kristi Hutton with the Garden House. The trio has been advertising together since spring, combining events and sales to make the village a destination. "There's strength in numbers," said Meg Thoreson, who owns the mercantile with her husband, Ken. For November, they chose to center their efforts on "Making a Difference." "While it is great to be able to combine marketing budgets to promote sales, it is even better to promote events like those happening this weekend which will have a positive impact on the residents of Douglas County," Thoreson said. Each of the businesses chose to support a cause they truly cared about. "They're all community minded, …