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Wednesday’s dinner at The United Churches in Olympia marked the 41st year of a tradition taken on by Barb O’Neill’s Family and Friends, a nonprofit organization. The meal evolved from humble beginnings decades ago, when Barb O’Neill began feeding hungry neighbors during the holidays.
She died in 2008, but the mission and goals of the organization remain strong, said Rodney O’Neill, Barb’s son, who runs the organization.
“Keeping this going is not just important for our family but for our community,” he said.
Organizers said they expected to dish out 1,500 meals Wednesday – a drop from last year, with bad weather taking the blame. Last year, the group served more than 4,000 meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Free clothing also was available.
To make the event a success, the organization relies on contributions and volunteers from schools, other organizations and businesses.
More than 100 people were on hand to help bake pies, serve stuffing and do whatever else was needed.
Jourdan Lance, 20, has volunteered at the dinner since she was a freshman in high school. She said she keeps coming back every year because it’s important to help those who need it.
“I just like seeing people without a lot of money have a family dinner,” she said.
Many in attendance broke bread with family members, but others came to share a meal with newfound friends.
Roberto Garcia came to the church because he was hungry. After grabbing his dinner, he sat down at a table near the back of the room with a contingent of others who live at the Salvation Army facility in Olympia.
Garcia, 54, said he is on his way to California, where he hopes to arrive in time to spend Christmas with his family. Being on the other side of the food line is something new for Garcia; until recently, he had a job as a cook at a day center in Seattle.
He said he’s glad to see people from different racial and social backgrounds share in food and fellowship.
“That’s uplifting for me,” Garcia said. “Everybody seems to come together for the holidays.”
Sitting next to him was Evette Love, who, like Garcia, has spent the past two weeks at the Salvation Army. She said the meal reminded her of mom’s home cooking.
“It’s a blessing they do this every year,” she said. “I’m feeling comfortable now.”
Between bites of turkey and stuffing, Garcia had only a few words to describe the warm food in his belly.
“Oh, man, it’s excellent,” he said.
Nate Hulings: 360-754-5476 nhulings@theolympian.com www.theolympian.com/outsideolympia
