Lewis County Drug Court graduate and Chevron manager Leah Rader will once again be handing out free meals to anyone who wants one beginning at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day.
The Chevron is located at 520 S. Tower Ave. in downtown Centralia.
“We will have enough to serve at least 150 people,” Rader told The Chronicle.
Meals will be handed out until the food runs out, according to a flier for the event. Rader was originally inspired by Gather Church’s tradition of providing free Thanksgiving meals to those struggling with homelessness.
Despite dealing with the recent deaths of family members, Rader still wants to ensure those in need get a warm holiday meal on Christmas.
“I’m struggling, but these meals are important for me to do for people,” Rader said.
Rader has been sober for six years. She graduated from the Lewis County Drug Court program four years ago.
Lewis County Drug Court was created in 2004 and is a voluntary program for addicts charged with a felony, according to Drug Court Program Manager Stephanie Miller.
The program targets high need and at risk offenders with a poor prognosis for success on their own. It aids them with structure and support using a three-phase recovery program. Drug Court lasts a minimum of 16 months, with most participants graduating after 19 to 22 months.
To graduate, a Drug Court participant must have a full-time job and stable housing, complete recommended treatment, be clean for at least six months and in the program for at least 16 months, have a sober mentor and pay any court-ordered fines and restitution stemming from their case. Once a person graduates, their charges are dismissed.
