Local church provides community meal for people who don't have a place to go for Christmas – WPSD Local 6

BENTON, KY – A local church in Benton, Kentucky has served a community meal for Christmas every year for the past 15 years.

In 2008, leaders at First Baptist Church in Benton saw a need in the community and decided to start a community meal, which is geared toward people who don’t have a place to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Jermiah Cotton recently moved to Kentucky with his family. He was grateful for a place to celebrate Christmas and said he’s grateful to be here. “I’m from Louisiana and I moved up here about six months ago so I’m getting used to this place,” said Cotton.

Organizers like Karen Postma start planning for the meal in October and during the following months. They work on the logistics, which include how much turkey to buy, how many people are coming, and what desserts to get.

“Just take one step at a time and I don’t rush it, I’ll do something every week,” said Postma. She said this year, she prepared for the possibility of 450 people showing up to the event.

She wants locals and attendees to feel welcomed. “Christmas Day is the height of the season and we want people to be able to celebrate on this day,” said Postma.

The event had its ups and downs over the past few years.

It was canceled during the pandemic and was relocated in 2021, after the December 10th tornado.

However, Pastor Jeremy Hudgin said he hopes the luncheon will continue on in the future. “It may change a little bit but I don’t ever envision us not doing something on this day when we can serve the community and show them the love of Christ,” said Hudgin.

Cotton is feeling the spirit of the season. He’s grateful for First Baptist Church’s love for the area. “I think it’s nice that people get to get out and spend time with their community and their family and have a good time,” said Cotton.

First Baptist Church in Benton had 60 to 70 volunteers help out with the luncheon event.