In recognition of the holiday season of giving, Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) volunteered to serve food and donated items to those in need at the Hot Meals Warm Hearts soup kitchen at the Ohef Sholom Temple, Dec. 26.

Hot Meals Warm Hearts provides meals to the people in need as well as books, backpacks, clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries, baby products and temporary shelter.

"We helped feed the homeless and people who have trouble eating day-to-day," said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Pedro Hernandez. "This may be the only meal they have today so we did our best to give them a nice holiday meal."

Hernandez and other Sailors assisted in a variety of jobs such as preparing food, cleaning tables, arranging donated items and engaging with the guests.

"I peeled a lot of potatoes today and helped mix coleslaw. I helped bring in all the fried chicken from the food truck. We helped wipe down tables and put them away at the end, so I did a little bit of everything today," said Hernandez.

Engineman 3rd Class Austin Crane volunteered for the chance to serve others.

"I'm here to do my part for the community," said Crane. "I always enjoy finding things to do, whether it's gardening or volunteering for a homeless shelter. It's good to do things like that. Any time someone needs an extra hand, I enjoy paying it forward."

Dorianne Villani, director of Hot Meals Warm Hearts soup kitchen, said she was thankful for the Sailors' participation in an event that served more than 60 people.

"Several Navy commands have been here to help over the past few years and we are very proud of them," said Villani. "I think our partnership with them is extremely meaningful and valuable. It's a win-win. I know the Sailors who volunteer will get credit hours for their profiles and we get extra help during these events. We enjoy the pleasure of their company."

Sailors from George Washington will have another opportunity to volunteer for the Ohef Sholom soup kitchen during the "Nest" event Jan. 4-11, where Norfolk's homeless will be able to sleep in the temple overnight and be provided breakfast and lunch.

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