BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Dr. Bryan Bowens and a team of around 20 volunteers are spreading holiday cheer by preparing and distributing over 200 meals to the homeless community in Bakersfield. At Brenda Jean's Sober Living Facility, the kitchen is bustling with activity as volunteers work to ensure no one goes hungry this Christmas.
"It is Christmas Day. The homeless do not have family, so we are being their family today," said Dr. Bowens, organizer and volunteer. "It touches my heart. It is a lot of people. All walks of life. Families, friends, my neighbors. Basically, it is the spirit of giving. The season of giving."
Jonathan Foreman, once homeless himself, is now giving back alongside his wife. Sporting an "I Love My Community" hoodie, Foreman shared his motivation for volunteering.
"In a sense, it is really indescribable because the Lord used my life, and as He is using my life, I just want to be able to give back to those that are less fortunate," said Foreman.
Rodney Washington, another volunteer who has experienced homelessness, emphasized the importance of providing hope to those in need.
"I just want to help save a life. You know people are hurting? People are hurting out there. People do not have that Christmas tree, and you know we want to be able to just give our blessings to the community," said Washington.
Across town, Blessings Corner is also making a difference by distributing donated goods to families in need. Longtime Bakersfield resident Nelda Dominguez expressed gratitude for the support.
"That shows that there is still love and still hope for Bakersfield. You know? Because they are still opening the doors and giving us hope for the future," said Dominguez.
Dominguez acknowledged the difficulty of asking for help but praised Blessings Corner for its welcoming approach.
"A lot of us do not like to ask for help, but it means a lot because they do not turn people away," she said.
As the community comes together to spread kindness and generosity, the spirit of giving extends beyond Christmas Day, offering hope for the future.