Tonight in Spring Garden, there was a service for about 300 homeless people followed by a Christmas Eve dinner. Chosen 300 Ministries puts out more than 80,000 meals every year.
"Even more so now with the dropping economy so many people need help, we are the driving force that are committed to serving people and providing meals," Brian Jenkins of Chosen 300 Ministries said.
Not far away in Center City, there was a packed service at the Tenth Presbyterian Church.
One of the Deacons said he has noticed a change in the past few months.
"People are coming more to church, we are getting a lot more request as far as aid and help is concerned," Deacon Vincent Spragins said.
Even for those who are lucky enough to have a job, a family, and a roof over there heads, service tonight meant being thankful for those things and praying for others who continue to struggle.
"I think people are really just trying to find the true meaning versus what's outside and what money can buy and realizing that there isn't so much going around anymore, so what they really need to be looking at and focusing on for themselves." Poppy Dear from San Francisco said.
"A lot of friends and a lot of love, that's what I'm rejoicing over," Steve Bachman of Roxborough said.
The economy has forced many to take a good look at what is really important and that is something that should be celebrated all year long.
More coverage for the holidays from 6abc.com
- SLIDES: Action News Holiday Memories
- INTERACTIVE: Recipes for the 12 days of cookies!
- INTERACTIVE: Guide to green gifts
- SLIDES: Relive the 6abc/Ikea Thanksgiving Day Parade
- VIDEO: Performances from the 6abc/Ikea Thanksgiving Day Parade
- GOOD NEWS CHANNEL: Stories that make you feel warm and fuzzy... in that Action News kind of way
- VIDEOS: 2008 Troop Greetings
