‘It’s a blessing’: Community serves meals to people in need on Christmas in Downtown Raleigh

Raleigh, NC (WTVD) — For the 17th consecutive year, volunteers and the entire community came together to deliver Christmas meals to those in need in downtown Raleigh.

Hotel resident Pamela Williams said: “I’m so grateful to be here.

Despite the bitter cold, she went to Moore Square for a new coat and food.

“The food was good, the friendship was good, everything was great,” she said. “It’s a blessing to have these things for those who don’t have them.”

Mary Brown is the woman behind the mask, and the person behind the event for as long as it exists. Brown has partnered with various restaurants such as Winston’s Grill and Margaux.

“This isn’t about Mary Brown, it’s about every individual who comes here and puts Christmas on hold or puts it on hold to help people in need,” she said.

Lines for the event usually stretch to the corner of the City Market, but organizers said attendance was down on Sunday. This is because there are many shelters in the area, allowing people to stay indoors for longer hours of his day.

“This is a group of people who care and want to see the good in them. That’s what this village is about,” Brown said.

See also: Families join annual toy giveaway at Raleigh’s Helping Hand Mission: