BATTLE CREEK, Mich-
There was a line out the door at the Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek Tuesday morning, as people waited to take part in a Christmas Tradition. Volunteer Community Kitchen was serving up a Christmas meal fit for a king, for anyone that needed a little Christmas cheer.
When they started holding this holiday dinner 23 years ago, they served about 50 people. This year they plan on serving more than 800.
This is the first year Kyrah Phillips has attended this dinner with her family.
“I’ve very excited to be here and happy to share it with my family and my first little generation can enjoy it,” Kyrah Phillips said.
She says it’s important to her to share this experience with her son, who got more than a nice holiday meal. He also got something special from the big guy.
“So many people stereo type people and I feel like bringing him to stuff like this, will bring him an all around look of people and won’t make him so judgmental,” Phillips said.
It takes more than 100 volunteers to put this event together. Organizers say this is a Christmas tradition for many of them, because they want to spread some cheer.
“I think it’s a place where people can have some great holiday cheer and come together in an environment here, hear some Christmas caroling and maybe gather with friends and family,” Dianna Langenburg, organizer said.
Nobody goes away empty-handed. Each person got a goodie bag and a bag of pet food to take home to their favorite furry friend.
“It is what Christmas is all about. The spirit of giving and giving back to those in our community that are either lonely or less fortunate than we are. We are so blessed and that’s what the real spirit of Christmas is all about,” Lea Ann Beacham, organizer said.
