Telegraph photos by ADAM URQUHART Daniel Joyce, 6, sets out different desserts during a Christmas breakfast at Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission Wednesday morning.

NASHUA — The spirit of giving circulated throughout Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission Wednesday morning as volunteers arrived early to prepare meals for those less fortunate in the community this Christmas.

“Normally a lot of folks would be celebrating with their typical family traditions around the tree with gifts, opening stockings, sharing with family – but I can’t think of any better place to be than to be here sharing with these folks, some of which don’t have family,” Executive Director Lloyd Curtis said.

He also said some of the people who had gathered do not have trees to sit around or gifts to open. Despite that, some found family in those they shared a meal with, and many people packed into the function space within the mission at 40 Chestnut St. to celebrate the holiday together.

“To them, this is their family, so they come here and we want them to feel like this is a family as well as get a nice hot meal,” Curtis said.

Before digging into their meals, Curtis stood at a podium and delivered a special message to those seated before him. Breakfast was then served shortly after 8 a.m., and volunteers served up generous plates of bacon, eggs and hashbrowns. Different desserts were also available for people to enjoy as well, such as cookies, cupcakes and pumpkin pie.

Later, around 11 a.m. the menu was flipped and volunteers transitioned into their brunch menu, featuring the mission’s take on a traditional Christmas dinner of spiraled ham and more. In just the first half hour of breakfast service, 51 plates were served, and as volunteers continued cooking and prepping plates, people were encouraged to get multiple servings. Curtis said the food eaten Wednesday comes from the New Hampshire Food Bank, Hannaford and volunteers.

For Curtis, this is what it is all about, and Wednesday was also his first Christmas spent at the mission since he took on the role as executive director in January.

Aside from serving up meals until 2 p.m., Curtis also found time to sneak over to a local family’s home and deliver them a gift. This family came to the mission for help since they did not have any presents for their five children this Christmas. Using some donations that had been collected, the mission was able to purchase the kids a new television and Nintendo Switch gaming system, which Curtis delivered to them Christmas morning.

“Their Christmas is going to be filled with a little bit of more fun today than it would have been normally,” Curtis said.

In addition to offering shelter for up to 40 men every single night of the year, the mission also opens their doors for breakfast, lunch and dinner to the entire community, including men, women and children. Curtis said anyone can come in and grab a hot meal, which is something the mission is proud of. He also said if people are unsure if they would be able to be served by the mission to just give them a call. People can call the mission at, (603) 889-3421.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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