‘Holiday Express’ Volunteers Show Christmas Spirit By Feeding Needy Families In Newark
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – There’s help and hope this holiday for families in Newark as a community reaches out to make the season bright for those in need.
As CBS2’s Christina Fan reports, on a dreary Christmas Eve, volunteers spread joy under a soup kitchen tent, feeding the cold and hungry at St. John’s in Newark.
“The old saying goes it is better to give than to receive. We – it turns out – we receive like crazy doing this stuff,” said Tim McLoone.
McLoone founded “Holiday Express,” a musical extravaganza providing cheer to communities in need since 1993. The premise has always been simple.
“To bring food and the biggest holiday party to people who, if we are not there, get little or nothing at holiday time,” McLoone said.
The organization typically hosted up to 100 holiday events a year, pre-COVID, for those in need. This year, they were only able to hold 18 in-person gatherings – but made each one count, boosting spirits with a live band, hot meals, and gift giveaways.
“It’s a nice thing, you know, they’re helping the homeless people, or anybody that needs help. Nice dinner, presents for the kids,” said Newark resident Pamela Mayes.
Volunteers say spending the holidays serving others is mutually fulfilling.
“There was one year where it was pouring rain. As we were driving away in our cars, people were in ponchos, walking around. That shouldn’t happen,” said volunteer Rocky Falotico.
Christmas Eve alone, volunteers will service 500 meals to the needy.
They say the best gift you can deliver this holiday season is human kindness.
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December 24, 2021 at 11:27PM
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