A Feast For Many Hurt By The Storm

Some Green Country communities reached out to people in need of a helping hand on Christmas.  In North Tulsa, a coffee house offered free food, music and fellowship.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports the event was put together to benefit victims of the ice storm.  Many of the residents in the neighborhood were devastated by the storm.  But they say on Christmas, they were able to forget about their problems, if only for a few hours.

The benefit at Sadie's Coffee House was born out of a tragic event, but looking at everyone's smiles, you wouldn't think these North Tulsa residents had gone through tough times.

"This is heart-warming.  It's such a good feeling to know that the people are here because they want to be.  We're together," said Sadie Steward of Sadie's Coffee House.

The main attraction was the food.  Volunteers lined up to help serve a hearty Christmas meal to those who came out to Sadie's.

"I'm out here volunteering because I'm enjoying it.  I feel I'm helping the community, and I'm just having fun," said volunteer Andy Swanson.

Of course, once everyone had been served and seated, it was time for the entertainment.  Members of the north Tulsa community, which has experienced its fair share of hardship over the past few weeks, say it was nice to smile again.

"I can truly say that I was hungry, I was fed.  I was thirsty, they gave me drink," said Carolyn Hairston.

"It was awful.  It was awful.  It was dark.  But, today we have light and we have warmth, and we can see," said Sadie Steward of Sadie's Coffee House.

Organizers say the Christmas Day lunch was so successful, they hope to make it an annual affair.