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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christmas Day is often about tradition, family and celebration. But for many in Charlotte, it was also about community and compassion.
Block Love Charlotte spent the holiday serving hot meals and offering support to people experiencing homelessness, turning a day that can be especially difficult into one filled with warmth and hope.
The effort was marked by smiles, laughter and even a familiar holiday sound — the laugh of the Abominable Snowman — as volunteers worked to create a festive atmosphere for those they served.
“It’s been big, like we’ve been crying literally all morning, everybody saying thank you,” said Deborah Phillips, founder of Block Love Charlotte.
Volunteers spent the day handing out meals, toiletries, clothing and toys, focusing not just on providing necessities but on making people feel seen and valued during the holidays.
“There’s nothing like waking up on a Christmas morning in, and you’re in a motel room. You don’t know where your next paycheck is coming from, you don’t know how you’re going to get the kids gifts, and you may not even know where your next meal is coming from,” Phillips said. “So we wanted to change all of that. Let’s give people their mind, give their minds some ease in knowing that somebody is going to show up today. So that’s why we do it.”
For some volunteers, the event marked the start of a new holiday tradition.
“We’ve supported monetarily. We’ve supported with food. And this was just an awesome time for us, to support in person and experience the reason for Christmas, and sharing gifts and just pouring out and reflecting God’s love to the community,” said volunteer Cindy Beasley.
Beasley and her husband worked the toy table, helping children pick out gifts, something she says no family should have to go without during the holidays.
“We’re able to do that, so why shouldn’t everybody be able to do that? And as a parent or grandparent, it’s just so special to be able to to give,” she said.
Phillips said the children are often the most impacted by the outreach.
“But the kids the most, like that toy table. Thank you all for everybody that donated. But it’s really big. This is bigger than Santa Claus,” she said.
In addition to meals and toys, volunteers handed out clothing, toiletries and books. Organizers say the goal is simple — to show up when people need it most.
Block Love Charlotte plans to continue the tradition next Christmas, continuing its mission to bring comfort and care to the community during the holiday season.
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Jordan Kudisch
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