JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Haven of Mercy Ministries distributed thousands of meals on Christmas Day.
Grant Rockley, pastor and CEO of Haven of Mercy, said his crew served thousands of meals to the community and three local jails. The ministry also distributed gloves and clothes, and Santa was prepared with toys.
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“A lot of depression right now,” he said. “So, we are a place of joy today. We want everybody to come, be happy, get a good meal, enjoy themselves, and just be happy.”
Rockley said volunteers spent over a week preparing the food.
“We’re blessed with a lot of volunteers that have come. They’ve been working for four or five days. We’ve got an outdoor cooker that does the turkeys and the hams, and boy, the food is par excellence.”
Patty Martin, a long-time volunteer, said she is grateful to bring others joy during the holidays.
“It’s always a blessing to be able to give and put a smile on somebody’s face,” she said. “I mean, they put smiles on my face. I pray that everyone will get a good meal. Children and adults.”
Haven of Mercy has distributed meals for Christmas for 50 years.