It goes without saying that our neighbors in Lakeview Towers and many of our homeless and low-income guests at the Back Door Ministry may not have the best holiday experience. Over the years, St. Malachi had served delicious meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas to our guests and distributed fruit baskets to our Lakeview neighbors. COVID-19 has changed how we do many things – but it has not affected our ability to provide the best holiday experience for them.
Christmas Day was filled with surprises for our guests! Santa Clause and his elves arrived with sacks filled with gifts for our guests! Each guest, 275 in total, (invited into the hall three at a time, socially distant and masked) met with Santa and received a new shirt, underwear, toiletries, candy, and a pair of boots. Despite being unable to enjoy a sit-down brunch because of Omicron, guests were filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude. The Back Door Ministry staff and volunteers prepared a carry-out brunch of turkey sausage, ham, chicken wings, eggs, cheesy grits, fruit, biscuits, and sausage gravy. As they left, all were looking forward to enjoying this delicious food!
