Hundreds enjoy Christmas feast with Joy Junction

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Hundreds of less fortunate got a Christmas feast Sunday thanks to Joy Junction and it’s because of many volunteers.

The families eating there say because of the community's generosity this was a Christmas they'll never forget.

“It made a lot of people really happy today there’s families that don't have no where to go and they give them a place to go,” Joe Sanchez said.

Sanchez came with his wife and two kids to eat Sunday.

Every child at the shelter got a present that were gifts paid for and donated by the community.

But those receiving were not the only ones thankful Sunday.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to help someone else. It's just wonderful,” Dinah Nathanson said.

That wonderful feeling has been calling back volunteers for the last 26 years and they're needed.

Director Jeremy Reynalds says each Christmas the celebration gets bigger.

“If you don't have anything like many of these folks don't here, we really want to go overboard and just give them a great time,” Reynalds said.

He says what may be just a hot turkey dinner for some, is much more for those struggling in Albuquerque, giving them a much needed hand up.

“Just beginning to feel a part of the community and that the community cares we have many volunteers here that can play a major part in helping a homeless person get back on their feet and get integrated back into mainstream community life,” Reynalds said.

Joy junction feeds about 10,000 people every month.

The shelter also had volunteers roaming the city today and handing out free meals and presents to those in need.