GONZALES — In the city of Gonzales, glowing with holiday lights, one tradition stands out as a beacon of hope and warmth: the annual Community Christmas Dinner hosted by Country Kitchen. Now in its 10th year, this heartfelt event, is led by Amy Shamburger, manager and the daughter of the restaurant’s owners.
Ginger McInnis, co-owner, says the event serves as a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.
“It’s a community Christmas dinner, where people bring food, and we also donate some from our restaurant,” McInnis shared. “It’s where volunteers come and see people, eat with people, and, you know, connect with people from all walks of life.”
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Day, the restaurant’s doors swing wide open to welcome anyone without a place to celebrate the holiday. It’s not just for the homeless—it’s for anyone who may feel alone or in need of connection. The event is a labor of love, with volunteers of all ages lending a hand to serve meals and spread holiday cheer.
“People bring their kids to volunteer, you know, which is really a cool thing,” McInnis said. “It’s showing kids what Christmas is about—doing things for others.”
The generosity doesn’t stop at the restaurant’s tables. Volunteers also deliver meals to those who are homebound or working on Christmas Day, such as first responders at fire stations and police departments. Sometimes, the act of giving takes a spontaneous turn.
“Sometimes we’ve just driven down the road and seen somebody on the road and said, ‘Here’s a meal’,” McInnis recounted with a smile. “Just a lot of goodness comes out of it.”
The kitchen, along with community donors, provides turkeys for the feast. Gift cards are also given to those in need, offering an extra layer of support during the holiday season.
“We have a lot of people that give donations,” McInnis explained. “So we do some donations toward turkeys—my daughter cooks all the turkeys—and then we do some donations for gift cards. If we see somebody that’s really in need, we give them a gift card on the day of it.”
The Community Christmas Dinner is more than a meal; it’s a testament to the power of kindness and connection. In a season that can feel lonely for some, it creates a space where everyone belongs, where stories are shared, and where hearts are warmed—not just by the food, but by the company.
“It’s about coming together, giving, and making sure no one feels forgotten,” McInnis said. “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
As the town gathers once again this Christmas, the Country Kitchen will hum with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the clinking of plates—a symphony of goodwill that resonates far beyond its walls.
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