Volunteers serve 120 meals

By Sandy Morris

For the 12th year in a row, volunteers from Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church and several others from the community made sure nobody missed the opportunity to enjoy a free holiday meal with all of the trimmings on Christmas Day. 

Even though the volunteers had to deal with the restrictions from COVID, workers were quick to proclaim the meal a success with a total of 120 people being fed. 

One of the organizers, James Breeden, along with his family, has been involved in this mission for the past five years.

“Everything went absolutely great,” Breeden said. “We had plenty of volunteers, plenty of drivers, and plenty of families who made this meal a success.”

More drivers were required this year as the church only offered delivery and to-go options, with no dine-in available due to COVID. 

Another organizer, Tamara Trail, echoed Breeden in saying not only did they have great volunteers, they showed up early and helped manage to get the food distributed to a variety of people.

“We fed several homebound folks, some people who were alone, and some couples who weren’t able to get together with family this year,” said Trail. “We also knew of some people who were sick or quarantined with COVID and we were able to deliver meals to them.”

All of the Vittles by Vehicle seniors were fed, in addition to all first responders and others who were working Christmas Day. 

The menu included a traditional dinner of both smoked and fried turkey, brisket, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, and dessert.

Paul Hamilton and Jon Rex Jones, along with Hamilton’s family, prepared the meat, offering both smoked and fried turkey, as well as brisket. 

“We have to give a big thanks to Treca Edington at Prairie Star who donated the mashed potatoes and gravy,” said Breeden. “She always comes through for us.”

Breeden also thanked the church members who provided the rest of the meal including plenty of desserts. 

Trail said this yearly ministry is very important to her, especially as her entire family gets involved in the meal. 

“It’s such a blessing to be a part of something to remind you of what the Christmas season is really all about,” said Trail. “This meal has shown my kids, as they have grown, what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s just something that I think is so easy to lose sight of during the holidays.”