Christmas is all about love. Love and happiness of one’s fellowman is a big concern for the congregation of Grace Fellowship Church, located on East Nashville Street in Atmore, and they showed that concern in a big way this Christmas.

On Christmas morning, members of the church gave up their time with family and friends to spend time at the church making sure everyone was well-fed at dinner through the Christmas Dinner Assistance project. They prepared and delivered more than 100 plates to those who called and requested them.

Doreen Hess, a member of the church spearheaded the dinner.

“I had an elderly friend who ate at the SAIL site every day and I thought of those like her who didn’t have a place to go for the holiday,” Hess said. “We had 40 people who volunteered to help and we made 110 plates that were delivered. We carried some plates to the police officers and ambulance workers who were working that day.”

Imagine the hustle and bustle that goes on in a home on Christmas morning. Usually the home is busy with gifts and getting a traditional meal on the table. It takes a dedicated person to leave that behind to go out into the community to prepare Christmas dinner for those less fortunate.

Hess said that those who volunteer to work always re-arrange their schedule so the work gets done, and some even bring their guests down to work at the church.

Members of the church gathered at the church on Christmas morning and prepared a traditional dinner to deliver to those who wanted and needed it.

“We wanted to show our love of Christ and to bless the community residents in a very practical way,” said church pastor, Gene King. “This is the second or third year we have done this service and we have great participation with our church members who are very willing and ready to help out.”

During the days leading up to Christmas day, flyers were sent out and ads were displayed in local newspapers to get the word out that the church would prepare the meal and deliver it to those who requested it.

“It was sort of surprising to hear so many people say that they would be alone on Christmas,” King said. “Many of them were elderly. I am very proud of a group of people who gave up their day to help out on this project. We had a great response from everyone involved.”