Hundreds of Cheatham County residents will have a hot meal on Christmas day thanks to O’Brien’s Southern Diner owner, Candice Beasley. As she approaches her tenth year of the generous tradition, Beasley says she is incredibly motivated to continue to help others as long as there is a need.
With cooking as her passion, Beasley began spending her Christmases doing what mattered to her most—being with her friends and family, and helping those in need. She first started out visiting nursing homes and feeding those who would have otherwise spent Christmas alone.
As the years went on, she added shut-ins, those who could not afford a special holiday meal, and even local law enforcement, medical personnel, and others working on the holiday.
This year, with singer Preston James in tow, Beasley and her friend Kathy Best will visit a handful of nursing homes to deliver a hot meal, small gifts, and a special performance from the popular The Voice contestant.
And to ensure no one has to spend the day alone, Beasley will also open the doors to O’Brien’s that day as well.
So nothing goes to waste and even more people are helped, all leftovers, Beasley says, will be taken to the homeless in Nashville.
To get yourself or others on Beasley’s list this holiday season, call the diner at 615-845-7227 before December 23.
Anyone wishing to donate to Beasley’s extraordinary efforts can drop off gifts for the nursing home residents, meal side items, and desserts. Perishable donations will be accepted on December 24 and the morning of December 25, and items for the nursing home residents can be dropped off anytime between now and Christmas morning; the address to O’Brien’s Southern Diner is 2905 HWY 49 West in Ashland City.
