Filling Stomachs, Feeding Souls: Christmas Tradition Continues
By: Homa Bash
Updated: December 25, 2012
With flurries falling all around, dozens of people filled the fellowship hall at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church on Christmas day.
"Every Christmas, we look forward to opening the doors and let people come, from anywhere they want to come, and have a meal with us," said Pastor Mark White.
It started off four years ago, when Albany's "Vittles by Vehicles" delivery -- their version of Meals on Wheels -- fell on Christmas day.
Instead of canceling deliveries, church and community members came together to ensure everyone in need was provided for.
"You know, there are some elderly people who can't come out or afford a good holiday meal," said organizer Michael Leveridge. "It's just a warm feeling we get from delivering, seeing their faces on Christmas,"
But it didn't stop at Christmas day deliveries.
"We thought, no, we can do better than that, we can offer it as a gift to the community and so that's what it became," explained Pastor White.
That's why this has now turned into a day for everyone in this tight-knit community to come together, getting out of the cold to feast on a free, hot meal.
For Albany resident Polly Stockton, whose family is away during Christmastime, it's a way to battle the holiday blues.
"It's wonderful, you don't feel lonesome or anything," she laughed.
Church officials estimate they feed between 200 and 400 people throughout the day, and deliver meals to those who cannot make it to the Christmas feast.
"Every Christmas, we look forward to opening the doors and let people come, from anywhere they want to come, and have a meal with us," said Pastor Mark White.
It started off four years ago, when Albany's "Vittles by Vehicles" delivery -- their version of Meals on Wheels -- fell on Christmas day.
Instead of canceling deliveries, church and community members came together to ensure everyone in need was provided for.
"You know, there are some elderly people who can't come out or afford a good holiday meal," said organizer Michael Leveridge. "It's just a warm feeling we get from delivering, seeing their faces on Christmas,"
But it didn't stop at Christmas day deliveries.
"We thought, no, we can do better than that, we can offer it as a gift to the community and so that's what it became," explained Pastor White.
That's why this has now turned into a day for everyone in this tight-knit community to come together, getting out of the cold to feast on a free, hot meal.
For Albany resident Polly Stockton, whose family is away during Christmastime, it's a way to battle the holiday blues.
"It's wonderful, you don't feel lonesome or anything," she laughed.
Church officials estimate they feed between 200 and 400 people throughout the day, and deliver meals to those who cannot make it to the Christmas feast.
