PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Memorial Day is meant to honor those who died in the service of our country. It also marks the unofficial start of summer and a time to enjoy paradesbeach days and barbecues with family and friends.
But for many, the last Monday in May is just another day when they struggle to find a meal, hot or otherwise.
Enter Chosen 300 Ministries, led by Pastor Brian Jenkins, which served about 150 Philadelphians who were homeless or food insecure Monday night.
“We want to be there for them,” said Jenkins, founder and executive director of Chosen 300 Ministries.
Monday evening on the menu? A standard American barbecue.
“We have hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and watermelon. We just have the whole nine yards for them to have that barbecue experience and celebrate the Memorial Day holiday,” Jenkins said.
Pagano’s Market and Bar, a restaurant with locations in Center City and Bala Cywyd, sponsored and prepared the meal.
Service is what Jenkins and the Chosen 300 Ministries are all about, but serving on Memorial Day is especially personal for Jenkins, whose brother served in the military and struggled after his service. He couldn’t get the help he needed and eventually died.
“The reality is that as much as we think the U.S. is a little hyped up,” Jenkins said, “it’s the best country in the world.”
