PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A hospitality center fed dozens of people today experiencing financial hardships and even gave out gifts.
The Hospitality Center of Port Arthur hosted a Christmas meal on Monday, December 25, 2023 for community members at their building located on 3959 Gulfway Drive.
Port Arthur police officers volunteered their time too.
The Hospitality Center volunteers says there is no other place they'd rather been on Christmas Day other than serving meals to all the men, women and kids in need of a little extra help this Christmas.
"I have a job you know, I'm maintaining. But it still kind of rough. You know what I mean," Port Arthur resident George said
George says he started off as a Hospitality Center Volunteer. But after falling on hard times seven years ago, he's had to come here for help. Now, every year he makes sure to never miss their Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
"It's like a Family. I Like to be around people that's going through what I'm going through. We all struggling but it makes it more happier when you can join and be together," he said.
Hospitality Center volunteers served Christmas meals with all the fixings- ham, roast beef, rice dressing, peach cobbler and more.
"This is the season to give. And there are so many people out there with children. You see the line outside and getting to feed on Christmas dinner and be apart of that it's the best gift of ever. You can't beat this," Tina Edgerly said.
Edgerly has been volunteering for years. She remembers being homeless and needing help too.
"You don't forget where you come from and to be able to give back with the help of the community is amazing. Thank you," she said.
After eating, kids got a chance to pick out Christmas gifts.
"The kids are coming in their getting toys. We're getting to just give, the parents are watching. And it's just helping the ones in need," she said.
Port Arthur Police patrol officer Dairius Charlot says "The smile on the kids faces that does it for me right there."
Switching their badges for hair nets, the Port Arthur Police Department gave back today too.
"Well, this is a beautiful day Christmas is about giving we're here to protect and serve. This is one way we can serve our community," he said.
George says he hopes people will continue to volunteer throughout the year. Not just on Christmas.
"Sometimes if we can encourage somebody else to know how to <helping gesture> it'll be alright. It'll be alright," he said.
It took a team of dedicated volunteers to serve the community members here.
Click here if you'd like to donate items or volunteer.
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