30 Years of Serving Up Hope
The holidays allow families to come together and spend quality time. Many families have traditions, like making cookies or singing carols. But one local family has a special tradition every holiday - giving back to those in need.
For nearly 30 years, JP Rodgers and his family have volunteered every Thanksgiving and Christmas morning, serving breakfast to residents at the Center of Hope. His children and grandchildren usually accompany him, with other family members helping occasionally.
“My kids, and now grandkids, have practically been raised to get up on Thanksgiving and Christmas morning to go and serve,” said Rodgers.
But the family doesn’t just show up and serve. They bring the holiday spirit to the dining room with festive decorations, especially for Christmas. Rodgers shows up with one of his decked-out Santa hats, carrying a speaker to play music and sporting a big smile that radiates joy to those who might not feel the magical time of the season.
“[The residents] are stuck in a place celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with a bunch of people they don’t really know,” he said.
Rodgers says the key to connecting with residents is coming in with an open mind, a giving heart, and listening to what they have to say.
“A lot of people are only two paychecks away from being homeless,” he said. “People have this illusion in the world that it couldn’t happen to them, or they are smarter than that. That is not the case.”
Because of this viewpoint, Rodgers always encourages his family, friends, and colleagues to volunteer at the shelter.
“If you come to the shelter, your life will never be the same,” he said. “You will see it’s not black and white when it comes to homelessness. Not everyone is out here being irresponsible. People are trying to get back on their feet.”
What began as a single volunteer shift became a cherished family tradition that will continue for as long as JP is around.
“I volunteer because I love to do it,” he says. “I also believe it is God’s will for me to be of service to others.”