RED BANK: LUNCH WITH HOLIDAY EXPRESS

holiday express 121815 2It’s more than just music when Holiday Express pulls into Lunch Break, one of 81 stops the organization will make this holiday season. The Grinch, below, is always along for the ride. (Photos by Kate Beckett, above, and Susan Ericson, below. Click to enlarge)

tim-grinch-band-rblightingWith the Turning Point restaurant providing food for 400, volunteers from Holiday Express plan to make a special stop in Red Bank Saturday.

The non-profit purveyor of music, food, gifts, financial support, and human kindness during the holiday season has scheduled a full-band visit to Lunch Break from 10 a.m. to noon.

It’s a coming-together of two like-missioned organizations. The soup kitchen, at 121 Dr. James Parker Boulevard, provides free lunches daily, as well as groceries, clothing and fellowship-for community members in need.

Founded in 1993 by, Tim McLoone, Holiday Express comprises more than 1,600 volunteers, including 150 musicians. Now in its 23rd season, the traveling group plans to visit a record-setting 81 locations in three states this season, bringing cheer to the mentally and physically ill, the homeless, the hungry, and the physically disabled.  And event comes complete with a visit from the Grinch, Frosty and of course Santa.

Turning Point will serve pancakes and other foods while Holiday Express delivers an interactive holiday party with a full band, costume characters and gifts for all.