ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Christmas is a time for positivity, giving, and spending time with loved ones. However, not everyone in Roanoke has loved ones or even a home to spend Christmas with.
Rescue Mission Ministries was there for those people and held a special Christmas feast for the less fortunate.
Dozens of volunteers helped prepare and serve more than 250 meals to those in need, and everyone appeared to be in a good mood.
“Volunteers are happy, guests are happy, everyone is having a wonderful time,” Lee Clark, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rescue Mission, said. “I hear such great reports on the food, just delicious, and everybody’s just got the Christmas spirit.”
On top of all the good food, everyone got along. There were people singing Christmas carols, and others were either singing or dancing along.
It’s a day a lot of regulars at the Rescue Mission look forward to each year.
“Christmas dinner and being around friends and talking to people and everyone’s so kind to us, makes me and my heart happy,” Nigel Brown, a consistent guest at the Rescue Mission, said. “Today is one of the best days I’ve had all year.”
Brown said he never misses a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal at the Rescue Mission. Money has been a problem for him, and several months ago, he lost his apartment.
He said he’s thankful the Rescue Mission is there for him to provide a place to eat and sleep.
While these holiday celebrations are great, the Rescue Mission is committed to helping people out every day.
“This goes on 365 days a year,” Clark said. “Around the clock, this Rescue Mission is providing help, hope and healing to folks who are in crisis and who have no place else to turn.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Rescue Mission can learn more on its website. They can also call the ministry directly.