To everything there is a season and on Christmas Day two area churches teamed up to make it a time of giving to Philadelphia’s homeless.
More than 200 volunteers from the Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park and Philadelphia’s Broad Street Ministry teamed up to prepare and serve a free Christmas Dinner for hundreds of homeless people living in the city.
Hundreds of men, women and children filled the Broad Street Ministry’s dining room at 350 South Broad Street to eat and fellowship.
Andre Cureton, once homeless himself, knows first-hand how much family and fellowship means during the holidays. He not only served meals but offered encouragement.
"I remember being scared, a lot of crying…yes a grown man crying. Then I came across a lot of youth ministries, they would help me, feed me and pray with me. I was blown away by that," said Cureton. "They know me from the streets and they see how I've turned my life around. They see the example that I am leading.”
In addition to a warm, home cooked meal complete with turkey and all the trimmings, those in need also enjoyed live music from a three-piece orchestra.
Volunteers also organized a clothing drive thanks to donations that poured in from the community. The drive included everything from coats to hats and shoes.
"It's hard for them to show how appreciative they are sometimes. But randomly I'll be reached out to and get a hug," said Lily Weinrieb, a volunteer. "It's a great way to spend the holidays it really is. You can only open presents for so long, so why not help out.”
