Kansas businessman He brightens lives and continues a 21-year Christmas tradition by helping deliver meals to those in need — even while battling a battle with his health.
“This was a special time, and we couldn't have done all of this without the community,” said Shawn Holliday, co-owner and wife of Doug Holliday, describing their family tradition. “But our boys, this is all they've ever known since they were little.
Doug and Sean Holliday opened their popular barbecue spot in Lawrence, Kansas, in 2004, when First United Methodist Church approached them for help.
“Since 2004, we have been Do this on Christmas Eve. This is what we do. We come and get the turkeys, clean them, and prepare them to go in the smoker. “If the weather is bad, the boys and Doug will spend the night here making sure all the smoking is done perfectly,” Sean Holliday said while explaining the dinner preparation process.
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Doug Holliday and his family have been serving meals to the Lawrence, Kansas, community on Christmas Eve for 21 years. (Sean Holiday)
This year marks their 21st year helping prepare meals for the church. In the two decades since their start, 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.
But this year has been harder than most in the holiday family.
He was Doug Holliday, a three-time cancer survivor Prostate cancer diagnosis At the beginning of 2024.
“You just have to keep moving forward. I had a different type of cancer in 2014 and we did the same thing. My kids got involved…I have three boys. Now they're all grown up and they're all coming back and helping. It means a lot,” Doug Holliday said, holding back tears. “For me.”
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A three-time cancer survivor, Doug Holliday is continuing a 21-year family tradition of giving back to the community, despite battling prostate cancer. (Sean Holiday)
Doug Holliday has battled non-Hodgskin lymphoma and skin cancer in the past.
Despite his health struggles, Doug said this tradition with his family and community is what he looks forward to every holiday season.
“It means the world to me. It really does and it makes it so special for me (sharing this with his family) I can't describe it, it's a very emotional time,” Doug Holliday said.
Shawn Holliday said the need for the meals continues to grow in the Lawrence community, and she is continually amazed at the support they continue to receive each year for the event.
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Doug and Shawn Holliday, owners of Biggs BBQ, have continued a 21-year family tradition of cooking turkeys for the Lawrence community, despite Doug fighting a battle with prostate cancer. (Sean Holiday)
“It seems like the need has continued to grow over the last few years. And it's really good that everyone is stepping in to help people who need it. I mean, we've had things in our personal lives that, you know, have gone sideways, but even if it's not… Doug is doing well, he will never let the community down.”
Even their clients have, Shawn added Join in the holiday giving Over the years.
“We have customers that come in and drop off bags, and bring turkeys to donate to the community dinner. I mean, it's a whole project that everyone does, and it's really an amazing experience,” Shawn continued.
The Holiday family has been collecting and cooking turkeys for the Lawrence, Kansas community since 2004. (Sean Holiday)
“It shows the great people who live in Lawrence, Kansas, and how everyone can come together for one cause and help each other. That's what's great about the whole thing. That's what's great about Lawrence, Kansas,” Doug Holliday echoed his wife.
Doug shared that what makes this even more special is that he has seen his three adult sons, Seth, Jacob and Ben, continue to show up every year and continue the family tradition.
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“All the boys are grown. What's amazing is that when we first started this in 2004, it probably took 4 to 5 hours to prep the turkeys and get them ready for the smoker. And it takes less and less time now that they're older,” Doug shared.
“It's been very fulfilling for me to know that my kids care and want to help. It's something I look forward to every year.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the community dinner may make donations to the First United Methodist Church of Lawrence, Kansas, or the American Cancer Society.
Fox News Digital's Brooke Curto contributed to this report.
Stephenie Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Tips and story ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
