TEXARKANA, Texas -- Most gifts were doled out and opened early Christmas Day, but visitors to Central Christian Church were treated to a nutritious afternoon stocking stuffer.
As in years past, Central Christian fired up its ovens to spread holiday cheer Sunday. The church prepared turkey dinner for at least 75 Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter residents, as well as furnished an additional 200 meals for other underserved area residents.
"We worked for a total of about three days to prepare for this event, and we got some help from the Ole Tyme Burger Shoppe, which supplied the dressing, while Julie's Deli provided cakes and pies for dessert," said Jim Spears, chairman of the church's Outreach Committee. "Of all that goes into this event, preparing the dressing takes the longest time -- nearly a full day -- but we have a lot of volunteers."
Spears said hosting the meal gives Central Christian a priceless opportunity to support the community.
Since the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, the meals have been takeout only. However, Spears hopes the feeding can be held in the church's kitchen next year.
"It's a pleasure to serve others, and we plan to keep up this tradition for the foreseeable future," Spears said.