In a heartwarming gesture just in time for Christmas, hundreds of meals and toys were delivered to a West Englewood shelter on Thursday, bringing holiday cheer to its residents.

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The recipients of this thoughtful donation include single mothers and their children, who call the shelter home.

“We have many residents here for various reasons, but at Olive Branch, we strive to make their experience special, showing them that they are loved and cared for,” shared Donna Pearson-Simmons from Olive Branch Mission.

This generous initiative is made possible by St. Sabina Catholic Church in Auburn Gresham, which has been committed for years to ensuring that those in need receive a warm meal and perhaps a toy or two on Christmas Day.

“Years ago, I learned that many shelters only offered sandwiches on Christmas morning because they allowed staff to spend the day with their families,” explained Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina. “We wanted to change that, ensuring that everyone enjoys a proper meal, so we figured out how to make it happen.”

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It works thanks to dozens of volunteers, the drivers who deliver the meals, along with many more who pack and sort who gets what. On this Christmas Day, St. Sabina delivered for over a dozen different locations including shelters, veterans homes and even the local police department.

“I know what it like to not have anything, to be in a shelter,” volunteer Hiola G. Alston said. “I’ve never been in a shelter, but I’ve got a lot of people that i know that were in shelters, some that that still are. It makes it better for them to feel like somebody actually cares and that they want to show them some love too.”

The meals themselves, 1600 in all, were provided by six local caterers.

“We’ve prepared our roasted chicken, candied sweet potatoes, homemade cornbread stuffing, green beans and a roll,” caterer Nicole Jordan said.

St. Sabina pays for the meals as a way to help the business and those on the receiving end of them.

“A warm meal for some people is very important,” said John Meyer with BJ’s Market and Bakery. “So we think about that. We love doing this.”