Michael Sorba, Staff Writer, The Sun

Article Launched: 12/21/2007 09:00:00 PM PST

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Hundreds of the area's poorest were served with compassion and respect Friday at St. Steven's Church and Samaritan Social Services 23rd annual Christmas Feast.

In addition to a hot meal for more than 500 people, about 1,600 pairs of shoes and socks were distributed.

But the giveaway had a special twist. Before each person was given a clean pair of socks and new shoes, a volunteer washed their feet - similar to the biblical account of John 13:1-17, in which Christ washed his disciples' feet.

When 10-year-old Christian Luna sat down to have his feet washed, he asked a simple question, "Why are you doing this?"

Pastor Greg Langley of Crestview Baptist Church, who washed Luna's feet, told him the Biblical story behind the ritual and then said, "We're doing this because Jesus washed his disciples' feet, and because he loves you."

The shoes and socks came courtesy of Samaritan's Feet, an international ministry that distributes free shoes across the globe.

Larry Morgan, 54, a homeless man who made his way to San Bernardino from San Francisco was touched by the experience.

"This is a new one for me," Morgan said. "It's just amazing these people are very kind and their love shows when they speak to you."

Volunteers talked about Christian faith while washing people's feet. Afterwords, many prayed.

"It's so spiritual, you feel humbled," said Vickie Lobo, a volunteer from Abundant

Life Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga and a member of Samaritan Social Services. "It lets you know that you are no better than anyone else."

Volunteers like Lobo were recruited by Mary McKinney, the wife of St. Steven's pastor Jesse McKinney and an administrator with Samaritan Social Services.

Throughout the day, Mary McKinney worked with volunteers in the church's kitchen preparing food.

"I'm very supportive of sister McKinney and her efforts," said 5th District County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, who volunteered in the kitchen. "She reaches the needs of these people. They know they can come here and get a hot meal."

McKinney said her life's work is charity and her faith drives her to serve those less fortunate.

"I have a love for people and love for God," McKinney said. "I believe that no matter who you are, you deserve to be treated with respect."

Samaritan Social Services is operated under the umbrella of St. Steven's Church. The organization conducts projects year-round.

The organization is currently looking for donations to establish a homeless shelter in the Inland Empire, Lobo said.

Those interested in volunteering or donating can call McKinney at (909) 825-6210 or (909) 287-4868.