Youth from The Gate enjoyed serving residents of Kinston Towers. Kristy Bock / Neuse News

For thirty-four years, the residents of Kinston Towers, a low-income senior facility, have enjoyed a Christmas celebration. Starting in 1986, the Rotary Club treated the seniors to a holiday party. After the Rotary Club disbanded, Wil and Donna Hardy kept the tradition going to provide an event to give back to the elderly of the community. 

This year, the Christmas party was held at The Gate, a faith-based community center. The residents were treated to music provided by Rick and Jane Vernon, and food cooked by Donna Hardy with the help of the youth volunteers at The Gate. The young men and women served the elders of their community with joy and a genuine desire to ensure that their guests had a wonderful evening. 

The young volunteers at The Gate helped cook the meal provided to the residents of Kinston Towers, as well as wrapped their gifts and decorated the hall. As the residents came in, they were greeted warmly and embraced with warmth and affection. 

"No one will leave empty handed and hungry," said Wil Hardy who took the stage as the night began. 

After the meal, the residents looked under their plates to discover if they won one of the many door prizes. The children of The Gate kept the residents engaged as they shared stories with each other throughout the meal, and during the festivities. 

"The Gate believes that by modeling the attitude of Christ, they provide a safe haven of love, belonging, and accountability so children can escape the pull of the streets," said Donna Hardy, the Executive Director of The Gate. 

"Through mentoring, tutoring, and training our kids learn to take ownership of their actions and their lives." Hardy continued. "They see that everything they do is a choice and they have the power to make good choices every single hour of the day."

The success of their process was visible in the way the children and young adults worked so hard to ensure their elders enjoyed their Christmas event.