Annual Grand Strand volunteer-led Christmas dinner feeds thousands

The sun was shining and temperatures climbed into the high 70s, but that didn’t stop thousands of people from getting into the Christmas spirit.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross served up about 7,000 meals Friday to those in need. Hundreds of people gathered at St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach to chow down on turkey, grab a gift or two and take whatever donated clothes they need.

“My kids are grown and there’s nobody home,” said Ivory Williamson, a Conway resident who has attended the dinner for five years.

The meal was free and open to everyone, and volunteers dished out turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing and other traditional goodies. Diners could choose an array of sweet, sugary donuts for dessert.

“With our income what it is, not cooking saves money,” Williamson said. “This dinner really works wonders.”

About 200 volunteers were on-hand to help out wherever necessary, including distributing donated clothing to the diners. People could take whatever clothes they needed, including shoes, shirts and winter jackets. A table stocked with wrapped presents – marked for children – and a visit from Santa Claus made the unusually-warm Christmas feel just a little more traditional.

“I just wanted to give back, and this was a great way to do so,” said volunteer Beth Ross.

Ross has volunteered for the Red Cross dinner for four years, but she usually comes around near the end of the feast to help with dishes. This year, however, someone else cleaned all the pots and pans before Ross could help.

She still found ways to help, though, especially since some of the diners were people impacted by October’s historic floods. Much of South Carolina suffered from several days of nonstop rain, and plenty of people on the Grand Strand lost houses, cars and personal belongings.

The collaboration and volunteerism from the community, Ross said, is what brings her back every year.

“This community just gives, and gives and gives,” she said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Victor Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, initially went to the church for a good meal. When he saw how many meals needed serving, he immediately jumped in to help.

“I’m blessed to be able to help someone else,” Brown said.

For some, the Christmas meal provides a dry, safe place to go during the holidays. Steve Griffin, of Myrtle Beach, was thankful for everyone who spent the past week organizing and preparing food. He was also thankful to have a traditional meal on a major holiday.

“It’s nice to have somewhere to go for Christmas,” he said.

He made his way through most of his mashed potatoes and green beans, but a few cuts of turkey were left on his plate. When asked why, Griffin said he had a practical reason for not eating all the meat.

“I’m afraid I’m going to fall asleep,” he said.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Annual Grand Strand volunteer-led Christmas dinner feeds thousands."