Heritage South Side church in Macon served its 15th annual Christmas meal on Thursday, feeding community members in need with help from volunteers.
MACON, Ga. — While many Central Georgia families gathered around their own dinner tables on Christmas Day, Heritage South Side church opened its doors to serve a free Christmas meal to anyone in need.
The South Macon church, now in its 20th year, has made the holiday meal service a cornerstone of its community outreach for the past 15 years.
Pastor Ray Rover arrived early Christmas morning to oversee preparations, checking off a mental list of supplies needed to feed what he hoped would be hundreds of neighbors.
“There’s a responsibility that comes with doing something like this,” Rover said as volunteers carried trays of food into the fellowship hall. “Making sure I have the chafing dishes, making sure we got ice — those are the things that I know that I can do.”
For some community members, the meal offers more than just food. It provides a gathering place within walking distance for those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
“It’s something that they can come to, they can walk to,” Rover said. “And what a glorious day.”
Sandra Ashley stopped by the church, initially planning to pick up a plate. Instead, she stayed to help serve after seeing a sign advertising the event.
“I never thought it would have been this much food,” Ashley said, watching as volunteers continued bringing in donations. “And they’re still bringing stuff in.”
Ashley said the service fills a critical gap for Macon’s most vulnerable residents during the holidays.
“A lot of times people just walk the street — you don’t know whether they have family or not, or they’re homeless — and this is a good thing for them,” she said.
The church’s approach mirrors the biblical story of feeding the multitude, with Rover saying they consistently prepare more than enough to ensure no one leaves hungry.
“We haven’t even seen how many people are gonna come eat yet,” Rover said. “But you know, he works it out. Normally, we’re like the 5,000. We always have enough left over to feed a bunch more folks, so nothing goes to waste.”
Any remaining food will be packaged and distributed to people in downtown Macon, ensuring the church’s generosity extends beyond its walls.
“The more we can feed, the more — that’s the whole goal here,” Rover said.
Dining and Cooking