"We know that the holidays can be a hard time for people, but we want to bring as much joy and cheer and love to that holiday as we can," says media and events specialist for Union Gospel Mission Abigail Holtz.
A hot delicious meal. It's something many of us take for granted. But for those less fortunate, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities will serve more than 1,200 meals Christmas Day to those in need at their main campus in St. Paul, and at various facilities throughout the community.
"We have well over 100 volunteers that come on Christmas Day," says Holtz. "So they give up their holiday to come and help make other people's holidays better. We have people that will dress up and come in holiday sweaters and reindeer ears and Santa hats."
There will also be music and an enormous tree to set that holiday mood. Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
"We've got some staff that show in the very, very early hours of Christmas morning, sometimes 3:00, 4:00 a.m. to make sure that we have everything ready," Holtz explains.
At their Men’s Campus, they will be hosting a unique dining experience where volunteers will serve as waiters, providing a warm and dignified atmosphere for individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness.
“Holidays are particularly difficult for people who have found themselves in a hard place in life,” says CEO Pam Stegora Axberg. “Our goal is to uplift and celebrate each person, offering them a home-style meal served with care and compassion.”
Going beyond their walls, volunteers with Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities will host Thanksgiving meals in the community or activity rooms of 19 local low-income and senior hi-rises. Groups of volunteers will bring food to each prearranged hi-rise and invite residents to the feast.
“Serving meals at the holiday is a great way for community members to come together and volunteer in a meaningful way,” Holtz. “The holidays are a time when we often stop and think of others and make memories together. This is a great way to do both.”