Despite battling his own health, a Kansas businessman is keeping spirits high and continuing a 21-year-old Christmas tradition by providing meals to those in need.
“This was a very special time, and we couldn't have done all of this without the community,” Sean Holliday, Doug Holliday's co-owner and wife, said of the family tradition. “But our sons, this is all they have known since they were young.
Doug and Sean Holliday opened their popular barbecue spot in Lawrence, Kansas in 2004. That's when they first sought help from the First United Methodist Church.
“Since 2004, we've been doing this on Christmas Eve. This is what we do. We come to the house, collect the turkey, clean it, and prepare it for the smoker. Weather permitting. “If things go wrong, the boys and Doug are going to spend the night here and make sure all the smoking processes are completed perfectly,” said Sean Holliday, explaining the process of preparing dinner.
This is a Christmas town where Santa's elves answer thousands of letters.
Doug Holliday and his family have been feeding the Lawrence, Kansas, community on Christmas Eve for 21 years. (Sean Holliday)
This is my 21st year helping prepare meals for the church. In the 20 years they've been in business, Doug says they've cooked more than 1,300 turkeys and fed more than 20,000 people.
“I think that’s a pretty good record,” Doug said with a laugh.
However, this year has been the most difficult for Holiday families.
Doug Holliday, a three-time cancer survivor, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2024.
“You just have to keep moving forward. I had a different type of cancer in 2014 and we did the same thing. My sons pulled together… I have three sons. Now they're all grown up and they're all coming back to help. And that means a lot to me,” Doug Holliday said, fighting back tears.
Just in time for Christmas, husband receives a miraculous 'godwink': 'completely healed'
Doug Holliday, a three-time cancer survivor, continues his family's 21-year tradition of serving the community even as he battles prostate cancer. (Sean Holliday)
Doug Holliday has battled non-Hodgskin lymphoma and melanoma in the past.
Despite his health battle, Doug said this tradition with his family and community is what he looks forward to most each holiday season.
“It means the world to me. It really means something and makes it so special to me.” [sharing this with his family] “It's a very emotional time that I can't describe in words,” Doug Holliday said.
Sean Holliday said the need for food continues to grow in the Lawrence community and he continues to be amazed by the support he continues to receive each year for this event.
Three U.S. cities attract holiday travelers and spread Christmas cheer
Doug and Sean Holliday, owners of Biggs BBQ, have continued their family tradition of cooking turkeys for the Lawrence area for 21 years, despite Doug's battle with prostate cancer. . (Sean Holliday)
“The need for it seems to have continued to grow over the last few years, so it's really nice to see everyone jumping in to help those who need it. I mean, even in our personal lives. We had to do that. But even if Doug wasn't feeling well, he was never going to let the community down,” said Sean Holliday.
Sean added that even customers have been participating in holiday gifting for years.
“We have customers who come and drop off their bags. They bring turkeys to donate for community dinners. So this is a whole project that everyone does, and it's really It’s been an amazing experience,” Sean continued.
The Holliday family has been collecting and cooking turkeys for the Lawrence, Kansas, community since 2004. (Sean Holliday)
“This movie shows the amazing people who live in Lawrence, Kansas, and how everyone comes together for one purpose and helps each other. And that's what's great about this whole thing. It’s a wonderful place,” said Doug Holliday and his wife.
Doug said what makes this even more special is that he has watched his three grown sons, Seth, Jacob and Ben, continue to show up year after year and carry on the family tradition.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“The boys have all grown up. It's amazing how when we started this in 2004, it probably took four to five hours to prep a turkey and get it ready for smoking.” And now that they've grown up, it's taking less and less time,” Doug said.
“It's great to know that my boys care and want to help. I look forward to it every year.”
Anyone who would like to contribute to the community dinner may donate to the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas, or the American Cancer Society.
Fox News Digital's Brooke Curto contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
