Dec 26, 2018 4 min read

WASHINGTON – The holiday season can be an incredibly magical time, but for some, the feelings aren’t so positive.

Loss and life’s troubles can cloud the joy and goodwill abundant this time of year.

Washington City Mission staff and volunteers brought a touch of cheer through service and food this week.

Four days of Christmas meals, Saturday through Tuesday, were offered, with 25 volunteers at each brunch and dinner. Food was served family style, with turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans passed from one plate to the next.

About 15 minutes before food was set to hit the tables Sunday, a small trickle of people began to filter in. One by one, then all at once, residents and community members alike selected their seats.

“How are you? I’m glad you’re here today,” director of volunteer services Sheila Coquet said to one attendee, with a smile.

Volunteers made their way to each table, offering a warm drink.

“Welcome, everyone, to our Sunday meal,” Coquet began. “We’re glad you’re here.”

After a quick prayer and offering of thanks, volunteers began to weave through the tables and chairs with piping-hot bowls of food. One kiddo scurried underfoot in a Santa hat, carrying hot drinks and desserts. Platters were passed with laughter and fellowship.

“I could go to sleep,” one attendee exclaimed as he finished his meal.

City Mission staff and volunteers also reached out into the community, delivering meals to residents at Thomas Campbell Apartments for Christmas last Thursday. Food was brought directly to the residents’ doors, with carols and cards. Several residents are without family and might not otherwise get a home-cooked holiday meal.

“It always amazes me how many people want to give back during the holiday season,” Coquet said.

Spaces for volunteers fill fast, almost as soon as Coquet sends the call requesting help. Some are repeats, but more often, volunteers are newcomers. Some bring their children or different family members. Others come alone so as not to be by themselves during the holiday.

Ashley Wrights of Coal Center volunteered Sunday with her husband and son, Mason. It was their first time helping, and Wrights said she wanted to “teach our son the reason for the season.”

Beth Trax of McMurray had volunteered several times with her immediate family and father. But as more heard about it, they asked to attend along with her. She ended up with a large group of 17 Sunday.

Coquet recalls the email, thinking it was a mistake.

“We were just looking for a way to serve,” Trax said of a no-fuss way to get friends and family together. “We just love doing it. It makes you feel good to be here.”

Now, Trax wants to make the event an annual tradition, and already has several that have reached out to her, asking to be signed up when 2019 opens up.

Coquet hated turning volunteers away when meals were only offered on Christmas Day. It made people feel like their help wasn’t needed when that absolutely wasn’t the case. Thus, a multi-day feast was created, not only as an offering for more people to give back, but also an opportunity for more people to get a hot meal during the holidays.

Volunteers interact with City Mission residents, sharing their stories of faith, hope and love, enjoying the season together.

“We’re preparing and serving these meals for our residents and the community because they deserve it. And some of them have never had the experience of a home-cooked Christmas dinner with friends and family. It shows them that people do care, and it brings a smile to their face,” said Judy Sandy, food services manager.

Donations, whether they be food, money, gifts or simply time, are abundant and appreciated.

It’s a tough season for many people, and Coquet said it’s important that everyone in attendance feels cared for.

“You are loved,” she said.

By 4:30 p.m. Sunday, bellies were full and the dining hall began to clear out. Volunteers piled empty plates and cups on trays.

City Mission served 5,000 meals throughout the six days of Thanksgiving, and expected around 150 people per meal through Christmastime, said Sally Mounts, chief development officer. Nearly 500 local children benefited from Santa’s Workshop, which offered gifts to low-income families.

“We’re able to open our doors to the community, and we can say, ‘City Mission cares,'” Mounts said. “We’ll serve you.”

In 2018, City Mission served 101,000 meals and offered 43,000 bed nights of shelter. Programs have been expanded by 45 percent, and Mounts said donations would be useful to continue developing offerings. City Mission’s end-of-the-year donation goal is $155,000. Visit citymission.org to give.