Churches will dish up free holiday dinners

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 2:04 AM Friday, November 20, 2009

HAMILTON — Area churches are defining the spirit of the holiday season with hot meals and volunteer opportunities.

The need is great as more families are struggling because of the economy, said Linda Kimble, executive director of Serve City.

“The holidays are a little tougher this year than most years,” she said. “We’re seeing all kinds of new people coming into the pantry needing services. A lot of people are out of work, and some are starting to run out of unemployment benefits.”

First St. John United Church of Christ, 412 S. Front St. — which has teamed up with Serve City to provide free meals on the second Monday of every month — will also be serving a free dinner on Thanksgiving Day.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, the folks at Grace Chapel of Praise, 621 S. Erie Blvd., are preparing traditional Thanksgiving dinners for 500 people to be served from 3 to 6 p.m.

Donated coats and hats also will be available to those who need them.

Church member Harry Thomas said this will be the third year providing meals to residents primarily in the 2nd and 4th wards. He said last year they served close to 400 meals.

“The 2nd and 4th wards are the toughest streets in Hamilton,” Thomas said. “There’s a lot of poverty down there, especially in this economy.”

Thomas encourages volunteers to come out and help serve the food, but also to provide companionship.

“A lot of these people that show up just want somebody to talk to,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.

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