Volunteers say they enjoy serving neighbors at the Open Door Mission’s Christmas Day lunch.
“And so, for people to come and take their orders and serve them at the table on Christmas Day and make them feel like valued guests, it’s pretty moving for them,” Chief Community Relations Officer Amy Harvey said.
Byron, an Open Door guest, stated that he enjoys celebrating with individuals from various walks of life because “it breaks down a lot of barriers.”
Approximately 100 individuals helped at the shelter for breakfast, and another meal was scheduled for the evening banquet.
Broadcast transcript
On Christmas morning, a hundred volunteers are serving approximately 300 residents at the Open Door Mission. I’m Omaha’s neighborhood reporter, Katrina Markel. I chatted with some neighbors, who informed me that it is about giving back over the holidays.
“It makes them feel good,” explained Amy Harvey, the chief community relations officer.
“They’re helping people they know that are having a tough time.”
Harvey informed me that feeding others on Christmas Day is a family tradition for some. Danielle brought her five-year-old son Mateo.
Danielle says, “This is fun for us. “We enjoy this.”
Jordan Bechner represents Nebraska in the pageant circuit. According to the Doane University sophomore, participating in pageants entails volunteering. She has volunteered at the Open Door Mission since she was about five or six years old. It’s rewarding and enjoyable.
Bechner expressed his delight: “Just seeing all of the smiling faces.”
Volunteers serve pancakes and take requests from Open Door Mission residents.
“And so, for people to come and take their orders and serve them at the table on Christmas Day and make them feel like valued guests, it’s pretty moving for them,” Harvey told the audience.
Connie, a volunteer, was having a talk with Open Door guest Byron. He believes that celebrating with people from all walks of life makes the day more meaningful.
Byron said: “It breaks down a lot of barriers.”
When brunch was over, volunteers helped the shelter prepare for an evening meal. Another opportunity for neighbors to support one another in the real spirit of the holidays.