EASTON, Pa. — One jolly Eastonian and a team of his friendly helpers will be hitting the streets on Christmas Day to bring the holiday spirit to those in need — and anyone who could use some company.
Alan Collins will be out and about for his fifth year hosting the feast and get-together.
The event kicks off at noon and runs to 6 p.m. at the Wawa and Domino’s parking lot at South Fourth and Washington streets, near the Lehigh Drive railroad bridge, though Collins will be there earlier setting up.
Collins said visitors can expect plenty of food — including enough for some takeaway meals for those who may be food insecure — Christmas music, and additional necessities and supplies donated by Collins and his crew.
The group has managed to build up a supply of personal hygiene products, clothing and other items. One friend, a hunter, has provided Collins with some quality tents as well.
Collins said he is happy to take contributions from the community to help fund the effort; anyone interested can donate to his Zelle or PayPal via his phone number (610-533-0221), on Cash App with $Alan4760, or on Venmo with @Alan-Collins-31.
The man behind the mission said he was driven to make it happen after reflecting on how fortunate he has been in his life.
“I just realized how blessed I am because I have a little bit of everything, so I have no real reason to complain," he said. "And so one year, it was really, really cold out, and I was like, ‘Geez, those people are staying down there by the water.’
"There’re two campsites down there, and they run over to the Delaware, and then the Lehigh. I said, ‘Well, you know what, I could give up some of my time with some of my money, they can come up and have a hot meal.’”
It’s a homegrown effort consisting of Collins and his friends manning a grill trailer and making hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, soup, coffee and tea, and spending some quality time with the community — whether they are truly in need of food and supplies or even if they just want to spend time together.
“Whether they’re generational or they’re relatively new, we seem to attract good people that want to help their neighbors and help others.”Frank Pintabone, Easton City Council
Collins said he also makes it a priority to bring a television along with him in case anyone wants to catch a football game, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m., and the Baltimore Ravens facing off against the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m.
Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone joined in the effort last year and said that he plans to continue the tradition for Christmas 2024.
Pintabone said while many people throughout the city see economic improvements and growth, he wants to make sure the tight-knit nature of Easton prevails.
“I just want to make sure we don’t ever lose that part of us," Pintabone said. "It’s where people come together, and you don’t have to be born-and-raised here, but that’s the type of people that we seem to have in this city. Whether they’re generational or they’re relatively new, we seem to attract good people that want to help their neighbors and help others.”
That sentiment is certainly near and dear to Collins’ heart, along with the mission to spread some holiday joy to everyone throughout the city.
“I don’t care if you’re less fortunate or not; just come down, hang out, and show a little love,” Collins said.
