dallas – A Dallas shelter that provides assistance to homeless alcoholics and addicts is preparing for its annual Christmas Day dinner, but some key ingredients are missing. They lack food and are counting on the community to fill the gap.
Mandy Patton has spent most of the past 15 years in prison and high on heroin. She credits her Dallas 24 Hour club with saving her own life.
“And when you come here, it's like family,” she said. “This is like a family that lifts you up, and I would describe it as a place of hope because that’s what it is.”
Since 1969, 24, as it is known, has helped approximately 600 people a year achieve long-term recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.
Patton has been sober for two years and currently serves as an assistant program manager. She plans to spend Christmas Day at the shelter helping provide free meals to up to about 300 people.
“It's crowded. It's fun. It's vibrant. It's diverse. It's happy. This is the place you want to be,” said Chairman Michael Young.
“I felt a lot of laughter, a lot of fellowship, a lot of comfort that people didn't have to experience,” Patton said.
But it relies on community support, both through volunteers and donations. And when it comes to side dishes, we are at a disadvantage.
They are receiving ham donations, but with six days left until Christmas, they still need eight turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy and 17 desserts.
CEO Tim Grigsby said: “Your donations are important and will go to people in need.”
They hope people will leave school on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to learn more about the 24-Hour Club's mission and the mission it is helping alumni like Patton accomplish.
“I've never been a part of something so special. It's just a gift. This place is a gift,” she said.
Christmas dinner will be served Monday from 1pm to 3pm. You can sign up to bring in prepared food by clicking here.
