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Interfaith effort feeds hungry on Christmas
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Fran Leibowitz, left, Marla Montemarano and Barbara Hadden fill plates with ham and sweet potatoes for homeless guests at Beans and Bread in Baltimore. Leibowitz and Montemarano are volunteers with The Associated's Jewish Volunteer Connection.
BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Many of Baltimore’s hungry and homeless got warm smiles, handshakes and a hot meal on Christmas Day.
“The food tastes great. The more I eat, the better I feel,” said Henry Jones, one of about 350 guests. He smiled down at his plate, piled high with ham, green beans, stuffing and bread.
“I woke up today and I was down and out. I thought I would come eat here today,” Jones said.
About 30 volunteers of varying faiths came together at the Fells Point venue, called Beans & Bread, to serve on the holiday.
“All of us probably worship the same God, just in different ways. We are all here to make our guests feel welcome,” said Sister Eleanor Noll.
Noll works with St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, the Catholic-affiliated charity that operates the Beans & Bread Outreach Center.
Some volunteers were from the Jewish Volunteer Connection, a group that organizes charity work.
“I don’t celebrate Christmas myself, but it’s a wonderful way to give time to others so they can celebrate,” said Leslie Norman of Owings Mills, who heard about the event from the Jewish Volunteer Connection.
Norman stood by the exit door during the event, passing out canvas gift bags full of scarves, socks, and gloves before the visitors left the warm building.
“It’s a very good Christmas. [The volunteers] are great people,” said guest Lavina Henry. “I feel like I’m home.”
Beans & Bread has supported Baltimore’s hungry and homeless since 1977. The outreach center, which is located on Bond Street, provides meals five days a week.
The center also has a daytime resource center, which offers health screening, telephone access, a learning lab and employment counseling.
For information about volunteering at Beans & Bread, call 410-732-1892.
lgreenback@baltimoreexaminer.com
