Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent gave away 1,000 meals on Christmas Day to people who needed a good meal.

Last-minute donations pushed the total to 1,000 after initial donations paid for 250 meals, according to Nana’s Southern Kitchen.

Vehicles lined up at the strip mall for the 11 a.m. giveaway at the restaurant, 10234 SE 256th St. Volunteers handed out the prepared meals to each vehicle. The free meal included a main dish with two sides per person. Kent’s Pacific Coast Fruit Company provided fresh produce for the event,

“Thank you so very much!” one person posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “That was so kind of you and your staff to sacrifice as much of your time and generosity! Merry Christmas to you all and God bless you richly!”

“Merry Christmas, thank you for helping our family as well as so many others,” said another post.

This marked the fourth year Nana’s has given away free meals on Christmas Day. The event continues the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake Myrtle Henderson, the great grandmother of owner Todd Minor.

Judson Althoff, Microsoft executive vice president and chief commercial officer, led the effort donating 500 meals, according to a Dec. 22 email from Minor.

Nana’s Southern Kitchen, which opened in Kent in 2019, serves Southern staples, from a fixed menu, including main dishes of fried chicken, catfish, fried shrimp and pork chops with sides of potato salad, green beans, mustard or collard greens, cabbage, candied yams and macaroni and cheese.

Vehicles line up for Nana’s Southern Kitchen meal giveaway on Christmas Day. COURTESY PHOTO, Nana’s Southern Kitchen

Christmas Day free meal event volunteers inside Nana’s Southern Kitchen. Owner Todd Minor is at the far left, just behind Kent City Councilmember Zandria Michaud. COURTESY PHOTO, Nana’s Southern Kitchen