A holiday tradition lives on in Fresno, thanks to one man.
Locals know him simply as Mr. Rib. His real name is Ned Mallory and for over a decade, he's been feeding the needy and handing out free toys on Christmas Day.
He says it's his calling from God to help those in need in Fresno.
We're out here to show love to God's people," said Mallory.
He goes by Mr. Rib but on Christmas Day, he's more like Santa Claus in a cowboy hat.
Mallory is part Santa and part preacher. "We are out here to show people that God is still on the throne," said Mallory.
To the children, he's Santa, overseeing a pile of toys that will go to children who might not have gotten anything without his help. To the adults, he's feeding their body and soul.
Ruby Gerbering took part in the festivities and was thankful for the efforts of Mallory and the volunteers. "It's nice for something like this to happen because there are a lot of poor people," said Ruby.
Over 100 lined up on the corner of Peach and Olive, for food, fellowship and a message of hope that's as timeless as the season.
Kimika Deloney said, "Well, for my family it means a lot 'cause we wasn't able to do anything for Christmas this year, so I got a phone call that said he was doing this and we hurried up and got over here."
You might be tempted to think Mr. Rib is rich, after all, putting on this spread like this year after year must be expensive, but you'd be wrong. "I don't have a job right now but God blessed me to go out and get donations. I can't afford to do what I do," said Mallory.
But in a way, Mallory is rich. "He blesses me down the road. That's what make me do it. I've been doing this for 15 years," said Mallory.
From the fish and chicken, to the toys and volunteers, Mr. Rib takes none of the credit, "Because God is the is the one who gets all the glory and honor, not me. I give Him all the praise because He puts me in the mind to do this," said Mallory.
