HAMPTON, Va. — Hundreds of people got a holiday boost in Hampton at the Do Gooders of Hampton Roads Christmas feeding on Monday.
Nine years ago, Cardella Peeden had the idea to invite people to share in the holiday together.
“I just felt like this was something I wanted to do to help the homeless, not just the homeless, anybody, lonely, no one to spend Christmas with,” Peeden said.
Now, the gathering has grown into one big community party!
“We celebrate family, friendship love and we help those who may not be able to provide a Christmas on their own,” said Deena Moore, the founder of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads.
The nonprofit hosts the feeding at the Boys & Girls Club on Shell Road in Hampton.
Families are treated to toys, clothes and, of course, a delicious dinner spread.
“A lot of time people we serve end up coming back and helping and so it’s really a give back,” Moore said.
It’s a celebration that volunteers look forward to every December 25.
“I love it, there is just something about seeing everybody happy and smiling and things,” said volunteer Robin Jones.
The Do Gooders aimed to serve 500 people but said they hope to top that number next year.
“I am blessed by blessing others, and so that is why we keep doing it every year, it gets bigger, it gets better.”