Volunteers help spread Christmas cheer to homeless in Downtown Jacksonville

On Tuesday morning when most people were waking up to presents and spending time with family one group of local volunteers spent their Christmas giving back to those who need it most.

More than 50 volunteers came out to Main Street Park to help pass out warm plates of food and presents for Christmas.

“We were really blessed this morning,” said John Starling.

One by one each person lined up in the cold as warm biscuits, gravy, eggs, and fruit filled the plates of those in need.

Starling tells us he lost his home a couple months ago and he heard volunteers were planning to serve a warm breakfast on Christmas morning.“They’re out here with us and that shows what they really are  because you don’t have too many people that would do that because a lot of people won’t even give you the time of day out here,” said Starling.

PHOTOS: Volunteers spread Christmas cheer for homeless in downtown Jacksonville

Cynthia Saben spent weeks before Christmas organizing this event with donations she picked up from the community, but even she was surprised by the amount of people who showed up to help.

“I thought it was just going to be me and another young lady and then it turned out to be a whole of us, “ said Saben.

Starling tells us the kindness from these volunteers enabled him to pick up a few treats for his dog Tia and Christmas presents for his daughter.

“We got a horse, guitar, we got a little play kitchen set,” she said.

His wife Kathy says she didn’t expect to receive so much help from strangers especially on Christmas.

“I know most people like to spend it with their families and this is just unexpected, I’m grateful, I’m thankful for this,” said Kathy Starling.

Cox Media Group