As many of us come off a weekend of making holiday memories with friends and family, we wanted to highlight how many of our neighbors reached out to those in need this holiday to ensure they made memories too.
Christmas Eve Community Luncheon
Hosted by Volunteer Rutherford, this event welcomed community members that had no where else to spend the holiday. With help from Last Call for Grace and Barnabas Vision, guests were invited to enjoy a Christmas meal (provided by Auburn Hills Church of Christ and Lillard Chapel United Methodist Church), family games and movies on the big screen. Volunteers also provided care packages and stockings for our guests to take with them. Scott Walker (http://www.smalltownbigworld.com) was on-site providing clothes and new boots to folks in need as well. More than 50 community volunteers made this event a great success.
Vietnam Veterans Candle Lighting Ceremony
Hosted by H30 Aquatics, veterans and supporters gathered on Christmas Eve to light candles, have a moment of silence, share stories and prayers and enjoy snacks and fellowship. Attendees included the Rutherford County Veterans Services Office, Vietnam Veterans of America, H30 Aquatics members, U.S. Military Vets and other community members.
Operation Christmas Cheer
Hosted by Club Yes, this 25-car caravan made five stops in Murfreesboro spreading Christmas Cheer on Christmas morning! More than 50 volunteers, Santa and Mrs. Claus didn’t let the rain put a damper on this important operation! You can find a video of what they were up to on their FB page.
Housing the Homeless
For the second year in a row, David Coggin (Barnabas Vision) with the help of his brother Adam and friend Scott Walker raised the funds and helped to place more than 20 homeless individuals in hotel rooms for Christmas Eve and Christmas night. While staying at the hotel, two groups helped to provide Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner for the guests.
Members of Homemade for the Homeless served lunch which was provided by Gondolier Restaurant.
Members of the Murfreesboro Cold Patrol organized the volunteers and food for dinner. More than 20 volunteers served up pork tenderloin, meatloaf, mac n cheese, green beans, corn, pinto beans, mashed potatoes, salad, carrots and rolls. They also served coffee, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and an assortment of “Turkish Delights” for dessert!
Christmas Meal with Veterans
Hosted by Operation Adopt a Hero, this event allowed community members to come together with local veterans for a Christmas dinner. Anthony Betke and other volunteers cooked the dinner which was held at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles.
Rutherford County is blessed to have so many wonderful community groups, businesses and volunteers that care about making our community a better place. What will you do to make a difference in 2016?
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