Donations increase Nana’s Southern Kitchen giveaway in Kent to 800 meals.

A last-minute donation from a Microsoft executive helped Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent increase its free Christmas meal distribution from 250 to 800 meals to help people in need of delicious meals.

Judson Althoff, Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, led the 500-meal donation drive, according to a Friday, Dec. 22 email from Nana’s Southern Kitchen owner Todd Miner. That’s what it means.

Two other Microsoft employees, Laura Longcore, vice president of Worldwide Learning, and Ron Mills, software development lead, each donated 50 meals.

Rodney Clark, senior vice president of partnerships and small business at Seattle-based California technology company Cisco, led the initial effort, with 100 meals to reach the initial total of 250 meals announced earlier this week. Donated food. Pacific Coast Fruit Company in Kent is providing fresh produce for the event.

More than 25 other individuals also contributed to the effort, donating between 1 and 50 meals.

“I’m so grateful to each and every one of you,” Nanaz posted on her Facebook page.

Nana’s Southern Kitchen, 10234 SE 256th St., will be serving food on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until food runs out).

The complimentary meal includes a main dish and a side dish per person. Staff are asking everyone to be patient as they serve 800 customers.

This is the fourth year Nana’s has provided free meals to those in need.