About 1,500 people received meals and gifts within the first two hours of the Modesto Gospel Mission’s annual Christmas event on Tuesday. The event, which started at 11 a.m., was scheduled to end at 2 p.m., but volunteers planned to keep serving as long as needed, with around 800 people still waiting in line by midday.
Jason Conway, Chief Executive Officer of the mission, noted the significance of community support: “It’s amazing that we as a community can come together and just bless people that are in need.” More than 150 volunteers participated in distributing food and toys, which were donated throughout the year by both the California Highway Patrol and local residents. “It’s probably the most toys I’ve seen in a long time,” Conway said.
Children attending the event each received one large toy and one smaller toy, with additional small gifts provided to families as they left. There was no preregistration required; families simply waited in line for their turn.
The Christmas event has been held annually for about 20 years. Conway, who has worked at the mission for 18 years, described this year’s turnout as among the largest he has witnessed over the past decade. He attributed increased attendance to favorable weather conditions—temperatures around 62 degrees with no rain—and ongoing economic challenges. The mission typically prepares to serve approximately 3,000 people each year.
Inside the decorated building, attendees found tables stacked with toys and several volunteers dressed in costumes such as the Grinch and a fairy. The holiday meal included ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and cupcakes for dessert. For convenience, takeout options were also available this year.
Leticia Candia attended with her four children. Sitting outside with bags filled with toys—including a Clue board game, remote-control car, football, princess doll and Spider-Man toy—she reflected on her experience: “Some people are less fortunate and can’t afford stuff on the holidays.” Candia mentioned that while holidays can be stressful for her family, she plans to focus on spending time together.
As some families continued to wait in line for their meals and gifts, others returned to their cars after receiving food and presents.
