Communities cook meals for hundreds on Christmas Day

Stories about holiday generosity refuel us, which is much needed in a world that tends to deplete. Stooges restaurant in Jackson and Student Santas in Cape Girardeau made Christmas special for many in our community.

It's difficult enough finding an open restaurant or store on Christmas Day, as business owners are generally home with their families, allowing their employees the same opportunity. But for the first of what he anticipates will be an annual event, Stooges' owner Ron Cook opened his doors to serve a free meal to those who did not have a place to celebrate Christmas. More than 100 people volunteered to help the restaurant -- many more volunteers than they actually needed.

Cook commented to the Southeast Missourian that some have lost loved ones or don't have family in the state, adding, "There's a lot of people that may be hurting financially here at Christmastime and maybe wouldn't have a good Christmas meal, so we want to provide that for them."

More than 200 reservations were made for the five available meal slots. Cook and volunteers served them pork loin, ham, smoked chicken "and all the trimmings" that adults tend to look forward to on holidays. But they also served nontraditional food that children love: chicken strips, hot dogs and hamburgers. Children were also thrilled to get a visit from Santa Claus, who showed up in the afternoon with toys.

Santa made an appearance at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau on Christmas Day, as well. Event organizer Jennifer Gast said the Student Santas' second annual holiday meal served "400 roasted chickens, 300 pounds of mashed potatoes, 30 gallons of gravy, 50 pounds of green beans and corn and 400 rolls, as well as gifts from Santa Claus provided by the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program."

Gast started Student Santas 11 years ago while teaching at Southeast Missouri State University. What began as an opportunity for students to get extra credit by bringing in toys has grown into a full Christmas Day event of food, fun, and presents, made possible by more than 100 volunteers. Gast said they gave out more than 400 tickets, but turned no one away.

Once again, we see people willing to sacrifice their own time on Christmas to give joy to others. Among those involved making the Student Santas event a success were Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, Ryan's restaurant, MidAmerica Hotels and Cape Transit Authority, to name a few.

"I think it's kind of like contagious," said Gast. "I think it's kind of amazing."

We think so, too.