Christmas in September brings joy and tears at Kinston homeless shelter
At the Friends of the Homeless Shelter in Kinston, stockings were stuffed, ornaments were hung, and tears of joy flowed freely as residents celebrated Christmas nearly four months early.
The Sept. 3 celebration, called A Christmas to Remember in September, transformed the shelter into a holiday haven complete with a decorated tree, stockings, music, and even Santa Claus. Organized by WoodmenLife Chapter 46 and volunteer Brenda Griffin, the event was about more than gifts — it was about dignity, choice, and community.
Griffin, who with her husband George serves meals at the shelter each month, said she wanted residents to experience Christmas in a way many hadn’t for years: with the excitement of picking out gifts, the comfort of traditions, and the joy of being remembered.
“These gifts were based on their own wish lists,” she said. “They weren’t luxury items — just the basics we all take for granted, like socks, shoes, or a bathrobe that fits. But the fact that it was something chosen for them made all the difference.”
A night of memories and miracles
The evening began with a hands-on activity as residents decorated Christmas ornaments before sitting down together for a family-style meal. Griffin admitted she wasn’t sure how everyone would respond, but the enthusiasm was unmistakable.
“You never know how guys are going to be with something crafty like that,” she said with a laugh. “But every single one of them sat down, made an ornament, and hung it on the tree. That meant so much.”
After dinner came the highlight — Santa, portrayed by one of Griffin’s former Southeast Elementary School parents, handed out wrapped presents prepared for each guest.
Griffin recalled one man who had been quietly waiting while others unwrapped theirs.
“I asked him, ‘Do you believe in Christmas miracles?’ and he said, ‘I think so. No, I do,’” she said. “When he opened his gift, tears just began to flow. He hugged me and said it was too much, too expensive. But I told him, ‘You’re doing the right thing, you deserve this.’ Moments like that remind you why you do it.”
Stockings, bingo, and gratitude
The surprises didn’t stop there. Each resident also received a stocking, generously donated by a community member and filled with candy, fruit, and hygiene products. Griffin said that detail mattered deeply.
“It’s just not Christmas without stockings,” she said. “People were so excited about them, like they couldn’t believe it. That simple tradition mattered.”
Guests then played Christmas bingo, with many staying late into the evening to enjoy the fellowship. Even those who stepped outside for a smoke returned to finish the game.
Shelter staff were also recognized with gift certificates and public thanks. What touched Griffin most, though, was when residents themselves stood up unprompted to share their appreciation.
“That wasn’t part of the program,” she said. “But they started speaking up and telling everyone how much it meant. It was precious and encouraging — a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures have the greatest impact.”
A reminder of community strength
According to the 2024 Point-in-Time count, 9,626 people in North Carolina experience homelessness on any given night. Griffin said the statistics can feel overwhelming, but nights like this show the importance of focusing on people right in front of you.
“This is about making sure people in our own community feel seen and valued,” she said. “Everyone deserves a Christmas, whether it’s in December or September.”
For those who attended, the night was more than an early holiday. It was proof that compassion, creativity, and community spirit can turn an ordinary September evening into a memory of hope and joy.
The Friends of the Homeless Shelter is located at 112 N. Independence St. in Kinston.
Neuse News is an independent, locally-owned startup based in downtown Kinston. We’re committed to providing free, hyper-local news across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties—the kind of stories that matter most, delivered in a format built for today.
We don't charge subscriptions. Instead, we rely on readers like you—and the businesses that serve our community. When you shop local, dine local, and click on our sponsor ads, you help us keep real journalism free and accessible.
