ACHRISTMAS TRADITION OFCARING
Downtown’s Big Feast feeds 30,000, provides toys and clothes for needy children
Misbah and Haseeb Khatri remember their dad dropping them off 14 years ago Christmas Eve morning at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Their dad had read in the newspaper about an event called Christmas Eve Big Feast, where volunteers serve food and give away necessities to the less fortunate. He thought it would be a good learning experience for then-11-year-old Haseeb and 14-year-old Misbah.
As they walked into the convention center, with lunches packed by their mom, they were a little nervous but tried to stay positive.
“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together,” Misbah remembers thinking.
The siblings did figure it out and decided to return every year without the push from their father. Now in their 20s, they’ve formed friendships with other volunteers who they consider family.
“Every time we see each other, it’s like how was your year?” Haseeb said.
The Christmas Eve Big Feast was started by the late Bishop L.J. Woodard, who enjoyed
finding ways to give back to his community. His son, Bishop Leroy Woodard, said his father would be amazed to see how the event has grown from just a few hundred people to one that serves 30,000.
“I know he would be proud,” Woodard said.
Five thousand volunteers of all ages packed the convention center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to serve traditional holiday fare such as cornbread, yams and turkey at the event, now in its 38th year. Free toys, clothes and haircuts are provided, as is information on cellphones, health care and other critical services.
Sharon Duncan, floor coordinator for the event, said it all started because of the elder Woodward’s heart for the community.
“His focus from the beginning was just helping people who needed a hand to get back on their feet, so they can get their life going on again,” she said.
Southeast Houston mother Marsia Zamora said she really needed the help this year. The 49-yearold has had a tough time trying to take care of her four young daughters since she lost her job in security in October.
“I’m just glad that this comes around every year,” Zamora said. “Other than that, I would just stick it out as a single mom.”
Her girls were able to pick out some new winter clothes, all of which were donated.
Duncan said the beauty of the program is that it’s all possible because of donations with no corpo- rate sponsors or outside grants. The meals are made by volunteers. The event is sponsored by City Wide Club, an organization that provides social services for those in need.
“I think that it’s about taking care of each other,” Duncan said. “Most of us have had periods in our lives where we just needed a hand.”
On Saturday afternoon, the siblings Haseeb and Misbah were handing out gloves, hair nets and aprons and providing instructions to other volunteers.
As children, the two used to help sign up volunteers as they arrived.
“People wouldn’t take us seriously because we were children,” Haseeb said, laughing.