BETHLEHEM, Pa. \u2014 New Bethany provides meals every day at its Southside drop-in center at Fourth and Wyandotte streets.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s something different about Christmas Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single person is grateful and everyone is helping one another,\u201d said Guadalupe \u201cLupita\u201d Bonilla, the nonprofit agency\u2019s residential services director. <\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is trying to share their Christmas cheer with everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n
The advocacy and assistance organization that supports those experiencing hunger, poverty and homelessness will hold a free Christmas Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.<\/p>\n
Organizers say many families rely on community kitchens such as New Bethany\u2019s to provide a holiday meal.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re expecting to feed more than 100 families and individuals Thursday from both the public and their transitional housing residents. Everyone is invited.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very special,\u201d Bonilla said. \u201cYou\u2019re there and calling other people to tell them to come on down for a meal and for gifts. We do give out gifts to the families. And Santa will be there taking pictures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt starts out kind of slow and then it takes one phone call and people start coming. It\u2019s like, \u2018Hey, there\u2019s a blessing down here\u2019 and people start coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single person is grateful and everyone is helping one another.”<\/p>\n
Guadalupe \u201cLupita\u201d Bonilla, New Bethany’s residential services director<\/p>\n
Doors open at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n
Based at 333 Wyandotte St., the drop-in center serves meals daily and provided more than 40,000 in 2024. The social service agency was founded in South Bethlehem 40 years ago.<\/p>\n