Addiction to recovery: What led to one church feeding thousands for Christmas Eve [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Every year, Pine Valley Methodist Church (PVMC) provides thousands of meals to people in need. One family is behind the initiative with a personal connection to giving back.

George Hale is a member of PVMC in Wilmington. All December long, Hale is working hard to ensure everyone has a place to go for the holidays.

Hale and his family are the reason behind PVMC Christmas Outreach. The outreach started in 2006 as a small way for the Hale family to give back to the community.

“Our kids were young and they were give me, give me, give me, give me, and my wife said that’s not what Christmas is about,” Hale said.

The idea of feeding people on Christmas Eve was born. The Hale parents hoped it would teach their children the true meaning of Christmas. Word of feeding those in need spread throughout the church and it led to 250 meals being distributed the first …