In 2020, Curtis Young, a member of Local 66, found inspiration during a marathon training run, reminiscing about a past act of kindness his family had received during a financially challenging time. This recollection sparked the idea to share the joy of holiday feasts with those in need.

Initially, Curtis and his wife gifted a Thanksgiving feast to a coworker in a tough spot. The unexpected act of kindness turned into a heartwarming experience, motivating Curtis to extend the tradition. On Christmas Eve in 2020, the Youngs, with the help of volunteers, provided a barbecue feast to 15 families. The initiative gained momentum, involving the Local 66 Women’s Committee in 2021 and garnering community support.

In 2022, the Local 66 Dupont facility became the epicenter for assembling meals, thanks to sponsorship from Local 66, TD Local 324, and other donors. A total of 25 families received feasts, and gifts for 27 children were distributed. The event’s success continued in 2023, with an impressive 41 families, for a total of 202 individuals, and gifts for 99 children.

The Local 66 community rallied behind the cause, raising $2,292 through silent auctions, ensuring that the tradition persisted. Curtis and a dedicated team, including friend Jason Calapp, labored for 27 hours straight to prepare mouthwatering dishes for the Christmas Eve event. With around 30 volunteers, they assembled meals and wrapped gifts, exceeding expectations.

Reflecting on the impact, Curtis expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the project’s essence: giving others the chance to be a blessing. The initiative differs from typical spirit of giving; individuals nominate families, and the volunteers merely facilitate the preparation. Curtis hoped to provide a glimmer of hope to families during the holiday season.

Testimonials from recipients underscore the profound impact of the initiative. Stories range from a marine receiving unexpected financial support to families expressing gratitude for a warm meal during tough times. The generosity of Local 66 members and the wider community has created a powerful tradition, bringing people together to share in the spirit of giving.

As the Christmas BBQ tradition grows each year, Local 66 continues to exemplify the true meaning of community and compassion, proving that a simple act of kindness can resonate far beyond a single day.

The impact we are making or statements from people who received a blessing:

One of the families on the list was a single father of two, he was a frontline door kicker in Iraq, a marine. The volunteer who delivered the feast got to talking with father and realized that they wanted to do more for this family than they already had with a $125 in gift card, but a phone call and a few texts later they had raised over $1300 for this marine and his two boys.

One of the 66 members who received a Christmas blessing said “The Christmas Eve dinner was not expected, and it was greatly appreciated. I am still blown away by the people who would spend Christmas Eve preparing and driving meals all over the state. I truly believe we have the best Union, and I am proud to be a Local 66 member!”

Another family who received this Christmas blessing said “If not for this kind gesture my family would have gone without. Thank you to the many hands who made this possible!”

Another family who received this Christmas blessing was not really a family in need, but they were very grateful for the homecooked meal because they have a newborn at home.

Another family who received this Christmas blessing said “God always provides, and he provided you in our life and the love in your heart to do this for people you don’t even know. What a blessing beyond what any of us have ever received.”

Another family who received this Christmas blessing said “My kids were so excited because up until today there were no gifts, just an empty Christmas tree. I was just as shocked as they were when people we didn’t even know were asking what we wanted or needed for Christmas. I didn’t know we were getting gifts like that; I was only focused on feeding my family. The meal was amazing, we ate off it for 2 full days! It was the best food we have ever had! We will remember the kindness of these people we have never met for the rest of our lives.”

View pictures from the Christmas Blessing Volunteers: