THE spirit of giving was felt in full at a Christmas celebration in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.
Miracle Chapel Sentul, through its charity arm Persatuan Komuniti El Shaddai Kuala Lumpur, shared food and school supplies, alongside festive joy, with the underprivileged.
The items included some 1,000 packs of chicken briyani for the poor, food rations for families, school supplies and ang pow for single mothers and children.
Missionary director Dr Ivan Kennedy said the annual event was aimed at spreading festive cheer and helping underprivileged families cope with expenses for the new school year.
Besides celebrating festive occasions, he said the church also provided free lunches every Sunday to the poor in the area.
“We are one of the oldest soup kitchens in the country.
“The Miracle Chapel was founded in 1915 by members of the Federated Malay States Railway to serve the poor.
“About 100 years ago, we served boiled tapioca and milk.
“During the Japanese Occupation, we served rice, fresh cow’s milk and noodles.
“These days, we serve briyani every week,” he said.
Kennedy added that their projects were funded through the sale of fruitcakes and cookies baked in-house by volunteers, as well as via donation.
The Christmas celebration ended with a visit by Santa Claus bringing sweets and cheer to the children, and carols sung by church members.
