Jessamine County, Ky. – A local homeless shelter is gearing up to host its third annual Christmas meal, aiming to serve over 600 people on Friday, December 20. The Jessamine County Homeless Coalition is preparing to expand its outreach this year after successfully feeding 540 individuals last Christmas and experiencing a high turnout during their Thanksgiving event.
The coalition’s executive director, Johnny Templin, noted the extensive preparation involved, stating, “It’s a lot of meals to crank out in technically we’re serving in three hours. So we do a lot of prep work for two to three days but the actual go time is three hours, 200 meals an hour.” Templin highlighted that the initiative aims not only to provide a holiday meal but also to foster a sense of community for those who may be alone during the holidays.
While the shelter has gathered several of the necessary ingredients, community support is needed to ensure adequate supplies for the meal. Essential items still required include hams, gravy, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, corn, green beans, rolls, and desserts. Templin emphasized the shelter’s need for additional contributions, stating, “We need it all kind of.”
In an effort to accommodate everyone, the shelter will provide drive-thru and to-go options for those unable to stay for the sit-down meal. Last year, over 50% of meals served were through the drive-thru, showcasing the significant demand for this service.
Donations can be dropped off at the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition, located on Maple Street in downtown Nicholasville, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. throughout the week. For individuals interested in volunteering, opportunities are available through the coalition.
As the holiday season approaches, the Jessamine County Homeless Coalition seeks to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy a warm meal, emphasizing the importance of togetherness during this festive time.
