Durango Herald
--°F
Durango Herald
SUBSCRIBE
  • LOCAL
  • REGIONAL
  • PERSPECTIVES
  • NATION/WORLD
  • PUBLIC NOTICES
  • LISTEN
  • Local
  • Regional
  • Perspectives
  • Nation/World
  • Public Notices
  • Listen
  • SUBSCRIBE
News

Photos: Manna prepares 1,100 Christmas Day meals

Shane Benjamin

Herald Staff Writer

Thursday, Dec 25, 2025 7:38 PM

SHARE
SHARE Facebook Twitter Email

Kenley Jacques, a volunteer with Manna soup kitchen, loads meals into a vehicle before they get delivered to La Plata County families on Christmas Day. At least 20 volunteers prepared 1,100 meals Christmas morning, including 765 pounds of ham, 550 pounds of potatoes and 400 pounds of veggies. “It’s an honor to give back,” said Natalie Bailey, community kitchen supervisor. “I know how it is. I get all choked up about it, because I used to be on the other side of this.” (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)
Kenley Jacques, a volunteer with Manna soup kitchen, loads meals into a vehicle before they get delivered to La Plata County families on Christmas Day. At least 20 volunteers prepared 1,100 meals Christmas morning, including 765 pounds of ham, 550 pounds of potatoes and 400 pounds of veggies. “It’s an honor to give back,” said Natalie Bailey, community kitchen supervisor. “I know how it is. I get all choked up about it, because I used to be on the other side of this.” (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)cca
From left, Leah Dworkin, Kenley Jacques and Kelly Rogers bag meals to be delivered on Christmas Day to La Plata County families. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)
From left, Leah Dworkin, Kenley Jacques and Kelly Rogers bag meals to be delivered on Christmas Day to La Plata County families. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)cca
From left, Donna Suggs, Eric Beyler and Kevin Jones, volunteers with Manna soup kitchen, prepare meals to be delivered and handed out on Christmas Day to La Plata County families. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)
From left, Donna Suggs, Eric Beyler and Kevin Jones, volunteers with Manna soup kitchen, prepare meals to be delivered and handed out on Christmas Day to La Plata County families. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)cca
Kenley Jacques, a volunteer with Manna soup kitchen, loads meals into a vehicle before they get delivered on Christmas Day to La Plata County families. Gus Shelton, 5, watches from the back seat. Gus is the grandson of Scott McDonald, who is delivering the meals. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)
Kenley Jacques, a volunteer with Manna soup kitchen, loads meals into a vehicle before they get delivered on Christmas Day to La Plata County families. Gus Shelton, 5, watches from the back seat. Gus is the grandson of Scott McDonald, who is delivering the meals. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)cca

Related Tags

Food insecurity

More Food insecurity

Anonymous donor launches $10,000 matching challenge for Manna
Award and prize

Anonymous donor launches $10,000 matching challenge for Manna

Donations doubled through March 31, Chamber says

Durango, Bayfield groups offer holiday food help for residents in need
Food insecurity

Durango, Bayfield groups offer holiday food help for residents in need

Community organizations still responding to SNAP cuts, aim to meet end-of-year demands

Effects of government shutdown linger in La Plata County
Food insecurity

Effects of government shutdown linger in La Plata County

Lapse in SNAP benefits will likely continue to affect recipients, food banks for weeks

Durango Herald

© 2026 Durango Herald | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service