Hearts in Service spreads holiday cheer, compassion at 'Christmas Feast'

ST. THOMAS — It was a feast fit for kings, but on this day the lavish spread was for the least of their brothers — and just about anyone who happened by at Emancipation Garden on Saturday where the 18th annual Homeless Community Christmas Feast was held.

The event was hosted by Hearts in Service Association Inc. in partnership with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and has been a staple in the community’s holiday celebrations since 2006, according to Ruthlyn White, a founding member of the group that espouses “reaching hearts in need.”

On Saturday, she didn’t let an arthritic knee slow her down as she bustled about ensuring all would go smoothly. Those who registered not only walked away with a delicious and fulfilling meals, but clothing, shoes and hygiene products including dental supplies.

Prior to lunch being served, White could be seen chatting with scores of volunteers under a huge tent lined with tables of food cooked that morning. It had been a five-hour labor of love by her sisters, Paulet Rawlins and Sophia Archibald, who began volunteer duty at 4 a.m. preparing a menu that included creole style fish, tofu, ham, baked and stewed turkey as well as baked and stewed chicken, macaroni and cheese, veggie lasagna, rice and peas, potato stuffing, seasonal vegetables. The meals came with assorted desserts, fruit juices, sodas and water.