Volunteering: Not just for the holidays

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Many are concerned with what’s under the tree for them Christmas morning. But others are more concerned about what the community is receiving. 

Brad Kessler is spending his Christmas Day in a kitchen. He's cooking up both lunch and dinner at The Light House Mission.   

And he's dedicating his time to one very important person, his mother.

“It’s our first Christmas without our mother. She loved to cook. She was a great cook. We thought this would be appropriate. All the family chipped in a couple bucks and we’re here,” said Brad.

“His mother apparently had passed away awhile back and she was a supporter of the mission and so he’s doing this in remembrance of her,” said Bill Wilson of The Light House Mission.    

The Light House Mission assists the community year-round in areas of counseling, job training, shelter, food, clothing and much more.    

Wilson said they don't spend just the holiday helping. They dedicate 365 days a year to reaching out to people in need.

“We do this every year. It’s the same every day. We try to help as many people as we can. We serve 365 meals, 3 meals a day, 365 days a year,” said Wilson.

That's true for Brad as well. He helps out many different missions and organizations all year round.

But this year is special to him.

“We’re here cause it’s Christmas. It’s our first Christmas without our mother. We thought this would be appropriate,” said Brad.

Wilson thinks the holiday shouldn't be any different from the rest of the year. He said our neighbors need help all year round, not just on holidays.

“Everybody needs to eat. The way the world is today, we need more places like this that serve meals. It’s a real good thing for everybody concerned,” said Wilson.

“I think that’s what the meaning of Christmas is. Christ sent us here for us to learn. This is what you’re supposed to do, help your fellow man through life,” said Brad.