Modesto Gospel Mission gathers 3,000 for hams, yams and fellowship
About 3,000 people found warmth, lunch and gifts at the Modesto Gospel Mission’s annual Christmas gathering.
More than 200 volunteers turned out Friday to serve up ham, vegetables, rolls and desserts and to distribute gifts to guests of all ages.
The Yosemite Boulevard nonprofit dates to 1948 and today provides shelter, addiction treatment and other services with a Christian focus. Friday’s guests lined up early outside on yet another chilly morning.
Kitchen manager Carlos Martinez said the donated food included about 150 hams and 500 pounds of sweet potatoes, along with corn, green beans, rolls and butter.
Neaveh Ducker, 8, received a stuffed puppy and lip gloss along with lunch. The event gave her a chance to visit with her mother, Diamond Ducker, who is in the mission’s residential treatment program.
“It’s really a good place to be,” Diamond said. “... I’m able to just be in my thoughts and think about everything that I did.”
Her father, Greg Ducker, also was on hand. “I’m proud of the path she’s on right now.” he said.
Mission Executive Director Jason Conway said this was the first full-fledged event after 2020 and 2021 versions that were reduced by COVID-19.
The mission relies on donations and volunteers year-round. More information is at modestogospelmission.org.
This story was originally published December 23, 2022 at 4:52 PM.
