Help available for the needy around county
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on December 22, 2014 1:46 PM
Many community programs are working to assure that everyone gets a holiday feast this year.
Director Doricia Benton and the volunteers at the Community Soup Kitchen, 112 W. Oak St., are busy getting ready to make sure no one goes hungry at Christmas.
Anyone can stop by from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday for a warm meal and some holiday cheer.
Cook Susan Britt has a feast planned for the Christmas meal. She is serving turkey, ham, rice and gravy, sweet potatoes, soup, collards, corn, fruit salad and dessert.
Mrs. Benton said she does not distinguish between holidays and any other Thursday.
"It's a celebration every day," she said.
Ms. Britt said there is still time to help the Soup Kitchen.
"We have everything except the desserts," Ms. Britt said.
She said they are also in need of cups, especially eight and 12-ounce paper cups.
The Community Soup Kitchen serves Monday through Saturday. It accepts donations on location from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army is giving out food before the holiday at the 610 N. William St. location. Visitors must have proof of need with a letter from Social Services to be eligible for the Dec. 24 meal. Volunteers will be serving before 2 p.m.
The HGDC Community Crisis Center, at 607 Slocumb St., is hosting a dinner Dec. 23 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
"Turkey and all the trimmings," executive director Adeen George said.
The organization also will be giving out warm clothing and blankets to those in need. They hope to wrap some toys for the younger guests too.
Anybody can stop by for the meal.
Christmas can be a stark time for those who are going through tough times, Ms. George said.
"Some people don't get anything," she said.
The center steps in to make sure the day will include, at least, a warm meal.
"That's basically what we do," Ms. George said.
The Community Crisis Center will be closed on Christmas Day, so the food baskets serve as a way to help those less fortunate prepare for the holiday.
And for those who just can't quite swing a turkey for their holiday table, First Pentecostal Holiness Church will give away 350 turkeys Tuesday to families in need starting at 8 a.m.
"Anyone who needs one can just come by," pastor Bill Rose said.