Open Door Food Kitchen serves up holiday cheer

By Leah Rainwater

One local food kitchen was able to serve up some Christmas Day cheer.

The Open Door Food Kitchen, located at 615 S. 8th St., was able to serve an average of 200 patrons with a Christmas Day meal, hot chocolate, gifts and more.

The meal was served by the Jewish Community. Numerous patrons expressed their gratitude for a warm meal and time to be together.

“It means a lot, like, if it wasn’t open, I wouldn’t be able to eat. I wouldn’t be able to do nothing,” said Ashley Smith, a patron at the Open Door Food Kitchen.

“I have a feeling of gratefulness and am overwhelmed that, you know (there’s help for those who don’t have it,” said Tammy Buckett, another patron.

Katie Burris is the executive director of the Open Door Food Kitchen and she’s noticed what a Christmas Day meal means to everyone who walks through the door.

“This is our family here, we come here everyday,” said Burris. “Some people are displaced at the moment, or they don’t have family that are local, or they may not speak to their family. So I like them to come here and feel welcome. Everyone’s welcome to come eat.”

Toys for Tots and BMS were able to donate items so patrons could receive gifts, hygiene bags, warm accessories and more.