ATLANTA — Hundreds of volunteers spent their Christmas Day at the Georgia World Congress Center helping make Christmas brighter for needy families.
The 44th annual Christmas dinner was put on by Hosea Feed the Hungry.
Volunteers prepared 1,200 turkeys, complete with all the trimmings, to celebrate the true meaning of giving.
"It's a big holiday and big blessing day in Korea, too,” said volunteer James Song.
Song and his friends from Mission Agape have helped with Hosea Feed the Hungry for the last six years.
"We prepare about 3,000 handmade egg rolls, 2,200 pounds of chicken and 600 pounds of rice,” said Song.
Volunteers of all ages served more than 3,500 people and helped deliver food to another 4,000 people.
"I think these numbers are a little smaller than last year because I think other people have started to do what we do, which is good,” said Elisabeth Omilami, CEO of Hosea Feed the Hungry.
The day provided not only a hot meal but also medical care, haircuts, clothes and even a shave for those in need.
"We're just here to help out, help them, make sure they're fed on Christmas Day, make sure their families are fed and make sure they're happy,” said Semajai Washington.
"It's a win-win situation when you keep the poor from feeling disenfranchised and forgotten, and that's what Hosea Feed the Hungry does,” said Omilami.
The day was made even more special as two people tied the knot.
Nicole Holman and Jerald Lowe, who are both homeless, held their wedding during the annual Christmas dinner.
A spokesperson said Lowe and Holman often volunteer to help out at the annual charity dinner. This year, the staff was able to help them, making their wedding a day they will never forget.