Manna Cafe holds free lunch for those in need on Christmas Eve

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – Dozens of volunteers made their way to the Manna Café to fellowship and spread some holiday cheer this Christmas Eve, to remind those that their not alone this holiday season. On Monday, the Manna Cafe in Chincoteague was packed with children, parents, old friends and more all eager to enjoy a delicious and free Christmas eve meal, leaving both their stomachs and hearts full.

“We’re all so blessed, we like to take the time out and give a little bit, that’s what the season is all about,” said volunteer Emilie Hollingsworth.

Every Monday, the Manna Cafe cafe serves hot meals to those in need.

“We’re serving about 400 guests every week,” said cafe founder Fran Lytle.

But since this lunch fell on Christmas Eve they decided to make the meal a little extra special with some delicious holiday treats and toys for each and every child.

“To be able to have the joy of being a parent and bringing your child in and have them be so excited to be able to get the toys,” said Fran.

Volunteers of all ages helped to give back to their community on Monday.

“If kids practice service or do service when they’re young they’ll do it their whole life,” said Fran’s husband and co-fonder of the cafe Bill Lytle.

And some of those volunteers say they helped out because they feel it’s important to remember those who may not have anyone to spend the holiday with this year.

“There’s no reason for anyone to be home and alone on a holiday,” said guest Roselee Savage.

“We do have a lot of people who either have spouses who’ve passed or families who have moved away and this is really a place where everybody can come together and sit down and talk,” said Hollingsworth.

And organizers add despite the countless hours it takes to put on the event, they say seeing the smiles on each and every child and adult makes it all worth hit.