One local non-profit followed a tradition of their own by filling the stomachs of those less fortunate on Christmas day.
For some at John 3:16, the holiday meal means everything. But those on the other side of the ladle say they’re getting a big reward out of dinner this Christmas season.
Tina Stark has been volunteering with the John 3:16 Mission for about a year, so she knew coming in for Christmas was a calling she needed to answer.
“I'm here with my life group so that's kind of like an extended family. So bringing them out today was like an extension of Christmas,” said Stark.
With every plate that's filled by Stark and other volunteers, comes a piece of holiday cheer that's only found within service.
“When you're able to lift someone else up and bless someone else, it'll do wonders in your own heart,” Stark said.
“It's been a great day and a great night,” said John 3:16 Mission Senior Pastor Reverend Steve Whitaker.
Reverend Whitaker says that little bit of cheer is essential for many of the people who come for dinner.
“This is Christmas for a hungry man, for a hungry woman, for a family that's homeless. And for that person, that's deeply personal," he said. "So we try really hard to meet them at their point of need.”
The impact is almost immediate.
“Every time people come, it matters. It matters to them,” said Whitaker.
It's made this labor of love the merriest and brightest.
“It's been an amazing thing and it makes me feel good to know that you're giving someone else some hope...it has been amazing,” said Stark.
Organizers offer hot meals to the homeless every single night, a tradition they've held since 1952. They operate thanks to donations from the Tulsa community.
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