Naples' St. Matthews House serves 500+ Easter meals to those in need

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — St. Matthews House served hundreds of hot meals at Lulu's Kitchen this Easter, ensuring no one in the community had to spend the holiday alone.

Lulu's Kitchen, which usually serves customers, opened its doors to anyone in need of an Easter meal. More than 500 people were expected to walk through the doors.

"We believe that Easter is about more than just going to heaven when you die, it's about the fullness of life that's available to us right now," said Ben Bridges, CEO of St. Matthews House.

A part of that fullness is sharing a holiday meal with friends and family. WINK News was invited to cover the event.

"Today we have volunteers here, we have community members here, we have our residents. We have men and women that are part of our recovery program and their families here all to celebrate this day together," Bridges said.

Volunteers spent weeks preparing and cooking up a full spread of ham, mashed potatoes, green beans and more.

"Our volunteers are coming to serve our community to make sure that the men and women that come to us at their point of deepest need know that they're loved, know that they're not alone in this journey toward restoration," Bridges said.

For these volunteers, it's more than just a meal.

"Especially for those who are struggling, for those coming in that really don't have anywhere to go or any family to be with, we're here for them," said Monica Webster, a volunteer at St. Matthews House.

It's a message of hope, fellowship and love.

"Man, it's just incredibly encouraging to me, not only because we can show that love, but because it reminds me that this community is incredibly generous, and they're there to support all of our friends," Bridges said.