Hundreds of people in the community got to enjoy a Christmas meal early thanks to volunteers and staff at the Erie City Mission.
Last year, staff decided to serve a Christmas meal, very similar to their Thanksgiving meal. They received such a positive response that they decided to host it again where the turnout was impressive.
Staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to serve a Christmas meal at the Erie City Mission.
Charles Rodriguez, a volunteer said, “We always look for volunteer opportunities. I think it’s very important to give back to the community especially since the community generally supports small local businesses so I think it’s really important to donate time, energy and effort.”
There was no shortage of people looking to serve hundreds of community members
Brian Johansson, the President and CEO of the Erie City Mission explained, “I think for them it’s a chance to really engage with a person they normally wouldn’t engage with. Be able to learn with them and talk with them and I think that is special for a lot of volunteers.”
For some volunteers it was a full circle moment. The Executive Director of the Mercy Center for Women and a volunteer herself, Jennie Hagerty said, “Some of the clients that we house, they were the very same people receiving a delicious meal last year. So it’s important for them to learn and serve and give back and we are just so happy to be working here as a staff working with them side by side each day.”
Other volunteers wanted to make sure people felt welcomed and loved, like Nahian Khan who said, “I haven’t seen my family in over ten years, so I know how it feels to be alone in this world and this is a way to contribute to people who are lonely and let them know they are not alone and they can be a part of a family.”
Organizers said they have seen how much these sit down meals mean to people which is why they want to continue to do this in the future.
Long time volunteers said by serving a meal for others puts things in perspective about what truly matters. “Getting away from all the hustle and bustle and the busy life of work and trying to fit in with family and make sure everyone can feel appreciated and wanted in the crazy world we live in ”, said Cheyenne Johnson.
The Erie City Mission is looking forward to a busy year where they hope to have made significant progress on their women’s shelter.