Bowery Mission provides food and shelter for holiday - Fox 2 News Headlines

The spirit of the season is to make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas and taking time to help those in need. The Bowery Mission handed out gifts and meals Tuesday on the Lower East Side.    

"We aren't fancy, but we care a lot," said Ed Morgan, Bowery President. 

For those who are blessed this Christmas. The options and invitations for a feast may be endless -- but for so many others, their only refuge is the Bowery Mission.  

"We don't ask a lot of questions, we're just happy to serve," said Morgan.  

Morgan along with hundreds of volunteers helps countless men, women and children help those get back on their feet and it starts with a good, hot meal. 

"One thing people need in life is food -- good food," said Cannon a volunteer. 

"There's nothing like feeling as though you've helped somebody who is less fortunate it's one of the best things you can do on your holiday," said Morgan. 

"I saw homelessness and never understood it and I didn't care about it. I would give no one nothing. Your problem is your problem -- but I found myself in the same condition," added James Macklin, Director of Outreach. 

Macklin has experienced the mission's helping hand in his life. A recovering cocaine addict, he squandered away a business and had no place to turn, but to the Bowery. 

So this holiday and every day, he returns that gesture, in kind. 

"I'm here to help happy to lift somebody's spirits," said Macklin.  

James, Cannon and Ed are part of a 133-year-old tradition that has always done just that -- lift your spirits when you need it most. 

The food's been rolling out all day long with the last dinner served is at 7:00 p.m. and if you think things stop here, you're wrong. The folks here at Bowery Mission will start again tomorrow morning and continue for the next 365 days.