Local Volunteers Serve Christmas Dinner at Mesa Homeless Shelter

On Christmas Day, a group of dedicated volunteers in Mesa, Arizona, ensured that men experiencing homelessness at the East Valley Men’s Center received not only a festive meal but also a sense of community. For the eighth consecutive year, From the Ashes We Rise Ministries organized a Christmas dinner, serving approximately 100 residents of the shelter. The event is a heartfelt reminder that no one should be forgotten during the holiday season.

Tyler Fannon, a resident at the East Valley Men’s Center for about three months, shared how the shelter has significantly impacted his life. “It’s a family. I don’t want to say ‘like’ a family — it is a family,” he expressed. Before finding shelter, Fannon faced the challenges of living on the streets in nearby Tempe. “I was out in Tempe trying to find places to go, and I was lucky enough to get in here,” he added.

The East Valley Men’s Center not only provides essential services like food and shelter but also focuses on helping residents regain stability. Staff members work closely with individuals to aid in job searches and provide support for various challenges. “We help them as best as we can — finding a job, maintaining sobriety, overcoming addiction, whatever challenges they may be dealing with,” explained Tanner Swanson, a representative from A New Leaf.

During the holiday season, feelings of loneliness can intensify, making the support from the shelter even more crucial. Fannon noted, “Just being in a home with other people, and not out on the streets when it’s raining or cold — it touches my heart.” This sentiment resonates with both residents and volunteers alike, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness during the holidays.

Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer

Pastors Tim and Toni Grimm of From the Ashes We Rise Ministries have made it their mission to return to the shelter each year for this special occasion. “Christmas is not the time to be alone. It’s the time to show love and compassion,” Toni Grimm stated. She emphasized that sharing a meal is one of the most effective ways to spread that compassion.

The volunteers transformed the dining hall into a festive space, preparing a holiday feast that included turkey with gravy, smoked barbecue chicken, ham, and a variety of sides. Dessert offerings ranged from banana pudding to sweet potato pies and peach cobbler, ensuring that the meal was a memorable one for everyone involved.

By the end of the evening, each resident received a Christmas gift, further enhancing the sense of community. Fannon reflected on the significance of these gestures, saying, “For somebody to be there for you, it makes life go around. That’s what makes a house into a home, and that’s what I cherish.”

The efforts of volunteers like the Grimms and the support provided by organizations such as A New Leaf highlight the importance of community engagement, particularly during times when many face hardships. As the holiday season unfolds, the actions of these individuals serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that compassion and connection can have in the lives of those in need.