BETHLEHEM, Pa. — New Bethany provides meals every day at its Southside drop-in center at Fourth and Wyandotte streets.
But there’s something different about Christmas Day.
“Every single person is grateful and everyone is helping one another,” said Guadalupe “Lupita” Bonilla, the nonprofit agency’s residential services director.
“Everyone is trying to share their Christmas cheer with everyone else.”
The advocacy and assistance organization that supports those experiencing hunger, poverty and homelessness will hold a free Christmas Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Organizers say many families rely on community kitchens such as New Bethany’s to provide a holiday meal.
They’re expecting to feed more than 100 families and individuals Thursday from both the public and their transitional housing residents. Everyone is invited.
“It’s very special,” Bonilla said. “You’re there and calling other people to tell them to come on down for a meal and for gifts. We do give out gifts to the families. And Santa will be there taking pictures.
“It starts out kind of slow and then it takes one phone call and people start coming. It’s like, ‘Hey, there’s a blessing down here’ and people start coming.”
“Every single person is grateful and everyone is helping one another."Guadalupe “Lupita” Bonilla, New Bethany's residential services director
Doors open at 11 a.m.
Based at 333 Wyandotte St., the drop-in center serves meals daily and provided more than 40,000 in 2024. The social service agency was founded in South Bethlehem 40 years ago.
It recently was awarded a $475,000 state grant to transform its drop-in center into a full-service community resource and health hub.
The plan includes renovating more than 18,500 square feet as part of its Paving the Way campaign. Leaders say New Bethany’s client roster has nearly doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
