Memphis favorite Brother Juniper's on Walker Avenue continued its tradition of offering a free Christmas meal for the 25th consecutive year. Co-founder and manager Darya Koplin explained, "It’s magical, truly," and declared, "It’s truly special to give people warm plates and feel love, which is what Christmas is all about." The event has become a cherished part of the holiday season for the Memphis community, as stated by Action News 5.
The Koplin family has a long tradition of serving the Memphis community. Patrick Koplin, reflecting on this, said, "Especially on Christmas Day of all days, to get up and give back." His parents, Jonathan and Pauline Koplin, started this tradition when they moved to Memphis in 1999 to work with Brother Juniper's College Inn. Each year, volunteers prepare meals for 200 people, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. Community members like Leroy Jackson from Serenity Towers have called the effort "It's beautiful, marvelous, great! Outstanding!"
The annual Christmas feast at Brother Juniper's in Memphis, featured by WREG News. Jonathan Koplin said, "We take care of those who need it first. This restaurant has always been about food, family, and the community in Memphis." His wife, Pauline, added, "The best feeling is seeing everyone together at a special time like our Lord: incarnation day." For many like Milton Magee, the meal has become a cherished Christmas tradition, with Magee saying, "this is the part of Christmas that I look forward to the most." Patrick Koplin, who leads the event, shared, "It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to give back to the community the best way I can think of doing that is feeding people for me. That’s the best way of giving back on Christmas."
