CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 At Mother Teresa’s homeless shelter in Corpus Christi, Christmas represents a moment many look forward to all year long.<\/p>\n
Mother Teresa homeless shelter provides Christmas meals, gifts, and hope to over 200 individuals and families<\/p>\n
The shelter’s annual Christmas dinner has become a cherished tradition, providing comfort and love to those who need it most. This year, the shelter gave back to more than 200 individuals and families experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n
“This is the place to be on the holidays so really Monday to Friday,” said Mary Helena Herrera, a Christmas dinner attendee.<\/p>\n
The celebration offered much more than just a hot meal. Kitchen manager Eddie Rodriguez explained the comprehensive support provided during the event.<\/p>\n
“We give them blankets, we give them gift cards.. we give them all their gifts to enjoy the day,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
Herrera, who is from Corpus Christi, expressed gratitude for two simple but meaningful things: a hot meal and being alive.<\/p>\n
“Today was a beautiful day because they were serving briskets, I know everyone at Corpus Christi loves barbecue,” she said with excitement.<\/p>\n
Among the volunteers making the day special was 15-year-old Kimber Lewis, who was volunteering for her second year at the shelter. Lewis attends Veterans Memorial High School and had been looking forward to this day all holiday season.<\/p>\n
“I love helping others you know it makes me happy inside, it makes me feel amazing,” Lewis said.<\/p>\n
During the event, she stood at the end of the line offering utensils and warm Christmas wishes to everyone who came her way. Lewis shared a message of hope with those she encountered.<\/p>\n
“Keep your head up, god has plans for you. God loves you, you’re his child and I’m just grateful that I get to help y’all and y’all are amazing,” she said.<\/p>\n
Both Lewis and Rodriguez emphasized that Christmas isn’t just about receiving, but about making sure everyone feels seen and valued.<\/p>\n
“Looking at the smile its humbling like I said I’ve been doing this for 16 years, and I love watching them, watching them appreciate what what we’re doing for them,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez hopes that events like this remind the homeless population that help is available and that the shelter is there for anyone who needs support.<\/p>\n
“They can come register, they are entitled to get a shower, they are entitled to wash their clothes and they can have two meals a day. And they are welcomed to come as they please,” he said.<\/p>\n
St. Mother Teresa Homeless Shelter is located at 513 San Rankin Avenue in Corpus Christi. For more information, call 361-883-7372.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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