The formal title may be the "Christmas Dinner Giveaway," but the annual holiday event at Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place has long transcended the hot, free meals they serve up by the hundreds every Christmas morning.
Over the past 11 years, it has become a place where those in need of a warm meal are just as likely to receive a warm embrace. A place where volunteers who have powered the event since day one welcome first-timers looking to carry on tradition like family.
A place that takes all of the things that make Indianapolis special, and packs them into a beloved soul food restaurant at the corner of East 19th Street and College Avenue.
"I have seen a lot of downs (this past year) but this always lifts me up," said Andrew Jarrett, an Indianapolis native who was in line about 30 minutes before the doors opened.
"It's not always easy, but I know that there are people who care and people who are willing to step up when you need that push to keep grinding," he said. "I'm thankful for the push."
Dinners complete with fried chicken, mac & cheese, green beans, dinner rolls and dessert were being packaged, served and delivered from 9 a.m. Wednesday until supplies ran out. But the work of putting the event together started long in advance.
Event organizers said more than 100 volunteers help provide more than 2,000 meals to the community, and hand out more than 1,000 toys collected through local community donations in conjunction with Toys for Tots.
Two of those volunteers were Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and his wife, Steph Hogsett, who made their way to the kitchen to dredge chicken after greeting people waiting in line.
But the giving didn't stop at a meals and toys. Blankets and warm weather clothing items like gloves, scarves and socks were organized and distributed to anyone who needed them.
Cynthia Wright-Wilson and Issac Wilson, owners of the Kountry Kitchen, say the event carries on in recognition of the significant need that exists during the holiday season.
They believe that something as small as a holiday meal can provide not only a full belly, but hope to overcome the next obstacle.
"And they are giving us that hope," Jarrett said. "They make a real difference here. I really hope they know that.
"Christmas wouldn't be the same without them."
DeAndre Payten, a first-time attendee, said seeing so many different people coming together for the common goal of making Christmas a little more merry was overwhelming.
"If you look at TV and the news, you start to think that everyone is a war," he said. "But look at this man ... this is proof of the love that still exists."
Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.
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December 26, 2019 at 12:34AM
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Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place delivers meals, toys and hope on Christmas morning - IndyStar
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