OXNARD : Church Serves Free Holiday Meal to Needy

It’s a good feeling to be remembered at Christmas. Especially when you feel forgotten, or at least that’s what Sally says.

The 46-year-old disabled heavy-equipment operator lives in a van with her unemployed 20-year-old son. But Sally--in a red and white Santa’s cap--took advantage of some holiday cheer and a free meal provided by Oxnard’s First Baptist Church on Saturday evening.

Sally and her son, Cory, were among about 70 men, women and children who were welcomed into the 5th Street church for a Christmas dinner, carols and a warm place to sleep.

“They serve good food on clean plates,” Sally said. “Somehow, even when you have no food, God will provide it, but it’s nice to have something like this once in awhile.”

The church started serving free suppers in March to all comers on the first Saturday of each month. But Saturday’s dinner was special, featuring a traditional baked ham, mashed potatoes and an assortment of more than 30 home-baked pies.

“When we started doing this, we had six people coming in,” said Carol Swinney, a church member who coordinates the Bread of Life Outreach program with her sister. “We just thought we should do something special for Christmas.”