After Thanksgiving Day feast, people are hungry Friday, too

In 1975, a small group of very committed ladies of the St. James Cathedral began a project that has, through the years, served millions of meals right here in Central Florida. Following a 40 Day Project to serve a noontime meal, this group, along with the core of pastors from Orlando’s downtown churches, reached out to the Christian Service Center and asked them to continue to feed the hungry, a ministry now called Daily Bread.

Forty-four years ago, this fledgling organization adopted this project and scores of thousands of volunteers have served almost 5 million meals to countless neighbors through this great program. Daily more than 400 meals are served — each Sunday through Friday, in downtown Orlando and Ocoee — because people are hungry.

As we enter the holiday season, we are overjoyed with those who have chosen to express their faith and caring spirit to provide help, especially on Thanksgiving. It thrills my heart to see such a giving spirit. But, my excitement is bittersweet when I think of those who will be hungry on Friday, too!

Oh, how I wish that we could solve the challenges of homelessness and hunger with one significant act of kindness. On the contrary, it takes many selfless acts and countless words of encouragement along with regular, faithful hands of committed people to help solve these issues. The Christian Service Center, along with many other agencies, “stands in the gap” each day, helping those in need move one step further down the path.

Come join us! Use this holiday season to sample what’s available for those who want to live a life devoted to serving others. People are hungry on Thanksgiving and they should be helped. But, they are hungry on Friday, too!