BAILEYTON, Ala. – For the third consecutive year, Kim Thomas opened the doors at Kim’s Parkside Catfish Restaurant in Baileyton and welcomed the community for a free meal on Christmas Eve. The line Tuesday evening was out the door with community members happy to spend time with friends and neighbors while sharing a delicious meal.
A team of volunteers was happy to help Thomas prepare food and serve the several hundred who made their way to the popular restaurant. Guests were served chicken tenders, chicken and dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes and other fixings. Thomas said she and her helpers prepared 80-100 pounds of chicken tenders and nine large pans of chicken and dressing.
Santa Claus stopped by for a much needed hot meal before setting off for a busy evening delivering presents to all the good boys and girls. The children of Baileyton must have been really good this year, as Santa brought an early present for those who came out.
For some in the community, Thomas’s generosity means the only Christmas plans they have. The dinner offers them fellowship and memories they would not have otherwise.
Thomas said, “It’s my way of giving back to the community that has given me so much in return. So many wonderful people volunteer to help me each year and I am blessed.”
Guests brought canned goods and other donations for the Parkside Outreach Program and the donation boxes reflected the giving hearts of the Baileyton community.
Meals were also delivered to several homebound individuals in the area.
Thomas explained, “I know we had at least 10 people here we took hot meals to and more will be picked up and taken to Holly Pond. We have some really great volunteers.”
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