Volunteers Serve Holiday Meal

As people across Mid-Missouri celebrated Christmas, many also are took time to give back. The Salvation Army held their annual holiday meal across the state. ABC 17 News crews stopped by the Center of Hope in Jefferson City Christmas morning”To me christmas is reaching out to others, and giving love and making other people happy,” said Sister Laura Jean Speath who volunteered Tuesday. With the Christmas spirit in mind, more than a hundred volunteers in Jefferson City did just that. “We want them to feel as if we are their family because in my heart we are, and the community really supports them,” said Alberto Decosta who is the lead monitor of the Center of Hope.ABC 17 News crews went along to help as volunteers went door to door delivering food. “Every little bit helps and on a special day,” said Dave Shnitzler who was receiving help.Back at the shelter that same appreciation kept volunteers motivated as they served around 150 people their choice of food from the menu, and making them feel special on this special day.”This is a yearly thing that people need help and that’s what we are here for,” said Decosta. Officials said this year more people are flooding through their doors, including more teens and young families.No matter the age, or the size of the family, everyone at the shelter including volunteers left with a gift that can’t be replaced. “I am just really happy to do today its better than any gift I could have received,” Jean Speath.Shelters in Columbia are also seeing a spike in young families needing help. They told ABC 17 News with the cold weather we have now, its important for anyone in need to head to a shelter or warming center.