Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent gave away 400 meals on Christmas Day

More than 400 people received free meals on Christmas Day from Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent.

NBA veteran Jamal Crawford, a graduate of Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, donated 100 meals, according to Todd Minor, owner of the restaurant that opened a year ago on the East Hill. Judson Althoff, Microsoft executive vice president of sales, and Dametra Johnson-Marletti and Rodney Clark, Microsoft corporate vice presidents, each stepped up to match Crawford’s generosity.

People were able to pick up one free main entree and two sides per person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Day.

“So so thankful,” Nana’s posted on Facebook. “Lord we thank you for the opportunity to serve.”

Minor thanked Crawford, Althoff, Johnson-Marletti and Clark for their donations. He also thanked the Fiskum, Ashcraft and Michaud families for volunteering to help distribute the meals.

Crawford is one of the many customers who enjoy the Southern comfort foods served at the restaurant, 10234 SE 256th St.

The Christmas Day event continues the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake Myrtle Henderson.

“My great grandmother, Nana, used her food to bring people together, teach life lessons and welcomed everyone,” Minor said.

Nana’s is co-owned by Minor and his wife Tanieka Minor. Todd Minor is the senior director of Microsoft’s Worldwide Commercial Business Sales Academy. He also is a city of Kent Parks and Recreation commissioner. He and his wife live on the East Hill with their five children.

Nana’s Southern Kitchen serves Southern staples, as takeout, from a fixed menu, including main dishes of fried chicken, catfish, fried shrimp and pork chops with sides of potato salad, green beans, mustard or collard greens, cabbage, candied yams and macaroni and cheese.