Valdosta, GA- December 25, 2012 - A lot of folks have already enjoyed a hot meal and a present or two with their families. But not everyone is as lucky. Many of the homeless in Valdosta had one thing on their mind this Christmas.

Manoj Dhawan is homeless. He said "the food. If we got food than we are alive, we have no problem. We can face the cold, we can face the hot."

To fight off the hunger, dozens of volunteers from the Park Avenue United Methodist Church gave out roughly 700 meals at at least 5 locations throughout the city.

One young boy said "I felt good helping other people." Another young girl said "I like helping people."

Dale Clements was a volunteer. He said "we decided we would come back and make this part of our Christmas family tradition. Just having an opportunity to positively impact those that are less fortunate at Christmas time just means a lot to our family."

Families like the Clements have been helping battle hunger on Christmas day for nearly three decades in Lowndes County. Blankets and socks are also given out to those in need.

Another homeless man, Robert Boyd, described the food saying "oh excellent, excellent! The food is good. Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans."

For many the best gift on Christmas was giving to others.

THE LOWNDES ASSOCIATION OF MINISTRIES FOR THE PEOPLE IS LOCATED AT:
601 North Lee Street in Valdosta.
CALL THIS NUMBER TO VOLUNTEER:
(229) 242-5267