In His Name-Colleton extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 11th Annual Free Community Christmas Meal a tremendous success. Through the generosity of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, 475 hot meals were served to neighbors in need across our community, reflecting Christ’s call to love and serve one another.
Planning for this annual outreach begins weeks in advance and includes multiple shopping trips to purchase food and supplies in bulk. This year’s Christmas meal featured smoked turkey prepared on a cooker throughout the day, along with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, and a sweet dessert.
More than 40 volunteers donated their time and talents to make the event possible. Volunteers assisted with cooking 27 turkeys, cutting turkey and slicing cake, sorting donated toys, jackets, and hats, preparing and serving meals, and delivering plates to individuals in need. This outreach would not be possible without many willing hands and generous hearts.
Despite rising food costs, the average cost per meal this year was just $3.00, a testament to careful stewardship and community support.
In His Name-Colleton is deeply grateful to this year’s sponsors, Bee City Zoo and NextEra Energy Resources, whose support helped make this event possible. Strong communities are built through connection, compassion, and collaboration.
“It is truly a blessing to witness His grace in action—not only in the smiles and words of thanks of those being served but also in the hearts of the volunteers. Every connection made reflects His love and care.
Giving God all the glory, for through Him all things are possible. Even when we feel limited, God can and will work through us.
We invite you to join us in continuing this mission to provide security, hope, love, and reassurance to our neighbors in need. Together, we can show what God can do for us all.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
Said Jenice Massalon, Board Chair and Fundraising and Outreach Chair for In His Name-Colleton. “
We also extend sincere thanks to our community partners who joined us: Pillars4Hope, Colleton County First Steps, Highway 2 Hope Mobile Mental Health Clinic, and the Walterboro Lions Club, which provided free vision screenings. Their presence helped ensure that guests received not only a meal, but access to valuable resources and support.
I’m thankful for this meal and the people who served us,” said one guest. “It felt like being cared for, not judged, and that meant a lot to me this holiday season.”
This annual meal continues to reflect the power of community coming together to care for one another, especially during the holiday season.
