The Reno Sparks Gospel Mission held their annual Christmas dinner evening for those in need on Monday night. The organization has been holding this dinner every year for more than half a century. In fact, some people consider it a Christmas tradition.
The Reno Sparks Gospel Mission revved up a merry Christmas for hundreds of people on Monday night. “We did about 18-hundred pounds of bone in turkey. Probably 600 pounds of mashed potatoes,” said food operations manager Paul Parent. The organization even had a hidden room with gifts for everyone and Santa for the kids. 500 blankets were given out alone.
“We have hats. We have gloves. We have coats. We have blankets. We have hygiene kits. We have socks and presents for the kids. So anyone who comes here isn't going to go home empty handed. In fact, they probably are going to have too much stuff to carry,” said Chaplain Tim Mikes from the Gospel Mission.
Santa Claus wasn't the only one to show up for the event. 500 people were expected. There was a line up the street to come in and eat. Vicki Madden takes her family to this dinner every year.
“I've lived in the family shelter and the women's shelter. This has turned out to be a family party and a family tradition for us,” said Madden. “The goal is to really show love. To show them that someone cares. That people are thinking about them. That this community cares about them,” said Mikes.
Leftover gifts from the Christmas dinner will be distributed to those in need, or saved to be distributed at next year's dinner. The Reno Sparks Gospel Mission currently serves dinner for those in need 7 days a week and serves a daily women's breakfast.
