CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Charities and non-profits across Chattanooga are helping those in need this Christmas.
The Union Gospel Mission set out to make a difference on Christmas Eve by serving meals to the homeless community.
The meals were served at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Tuesday afternoon.
Image via{ }Union Gospel Mission.
“It’s actually a really big blessing to talk to them, because these people really need something for Christmas.”
Volunteers like Anastasia helped serve hundreds of meals on Christmas Eve.
“It makes me really happy.”
Jon Rector, executive director of the Union Gospel Mission, says they planned to feed four to five hundred people.
“It’s kind of like a family reunion, because I’ll see folks today that I won’t see until our next meal.”
Rector says they try to keep the meal traditional in order to make it really feel like the holidays.
Image via Union Gospel Mission.
“Our menu today is ham and turkey, green beans, corn, potatoes. We’ve got a ton of desserts, sweet tea, rolls.”
Along with a Christmas dinner, guests could get..
“Coats and blankets, hats and gloves, blessing bags, which is kind of a little hygiene kit, and I’ve seen sleeping bags walk out of here.”
But it’s not only the food and clothing that people come for.
“The big part of it is just kind of loving on people and fellowshipping a little bit and sharing a little hope and a little love.”
Image via Union Gospel Mission.
Rector says they work hard to make it special for the community members that show up.
“They’re always very grateful.”
For some volunteers, this meal meant as much to them as the it did to the people they served.
“I’ve seen this one lady crying. It really touched my heart,” Anastasia says.
Rector says their next meal will be served for Easter.
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