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Yule dinner fills hearts, stomachs
Good Seed's early meal is free to all
With the goal of staying warm and eating a hot meal, Jenny Manes and two of her friends sat patiently at a table in the back of the Manna House at Good Seed Church of God in Christ on Saturday waiting to be served.
The Linda church was preparing and sharing its annual, free early Christmas dinner where local people can come eat turkey and watch as Santa Claus delivers gifts to children.
“It’s so neat to see the look in their faces,” Manes, 45, said about the children after they received their gifts. “Christmas is all about the kids.”
Manes said she lives on the streets in the Linda area, but she, Shelly Smith, 40, and Zane Ellis, 46, stop by the church on meal days to get something hot to eat.
“We were hungry,” Smith said about being there Saturday. “We got here early. It’s nice to have a place to come, get some food and coffee.”
More than 300 people packed the hall at Good Seed Church, prompting organizers to set up additional tables outside on the basketball court in order to share the food.
“Anyone who comes through the door gets a meal. We don’t ask any questions, everyone is welcome,” said Pamela Thompson, the wife of Good Seed’s pastor, Samuel Thompson.
Turkey, ham, bread, salad and dessert were among the food items provided to those who attended.
“The Lord told us to do something in order to make a difference,” Thompson said when asked why she organizes these dinners. “We are blessed with the community support with the amount of food and volunteers here to give back.”
Thompson said this is the church’s 10th year hosting the free dinner.
People of all ages, races and incomes attended the dinner not only for the food, but also for the company and experience.
“We just wanted to come and a good day with our kids,” said Mom Daniels. “This is our first time, but we thought it would be fun.”
Daniels was with her four daughters and husband waiting outside the hall to be seated.
“I’m excited,” said 8-year-old Alyssa Woods. “I’m excited to eat everything and see Santa. I wrote him a letter in school and told him what I wanted at the mall.”
Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey can be reached at 749-4709; or akoskey@appealdemocrat.com
