For more than 25 years, Joe Campbell and his wife, Joy, have been quietly crafting a cherished holiday tradition for the employees at First Palmetto Bank in Manning. Each Christmas season, the couple surprises the staff with a homemade Italian feast made from scratch with homegrown ingredients, a tradition that has become as much about community as it is about culinary delight.
Joe, a retired New York City transit worker, and Joy, affectionately referred to by her husband as his “pride and joy,” never reveal the date of their delivery. Instead, they let the element of surprise add to the excitement. “He never tells us when he’s coming,” said Sheka Lemon, the bank’s head teller. “It’s always a surprise, and that makes it so special.”
The feast is a labor of love for Joe, who prepares dishes like eggplant parmesan and garlic bread, while Joy ensures everything arrives perfectly presented. This year’s spread included a variety of Italian classics, with enough food to feed the entire staff and then some.
“I’ve seen people come and go here over the years, but the cheer this tradition brings stays the same,” Joe said with a smile.
The Campbells’ tradition began over two decades ago as a way to give back to their community. Now, it’s something the bank employees eagerly anticipate each holiday season. Linda Brewer, a former head teller who retired two years ago, was instrumental in keeping the tradition alive by sharing stories of Joe’s visits with new employees.
“This has become more than a meal, it’s a moment that reminds us what the holidays are really about,” Lemon said.
Joe and Joy’s holiday feast also reflects their roots and values. Originally from New York, Joe jokes about being a “half-back,” the nickname for Northerners who move to Florida and then settle midway in the Carolinas. He’s proud to call Manning home and is happy to share his love of food and fellowship with his neighbors.
The Campbells’ kindness extends beyond the bank’s walls. “Someday I’ll bring real wine instead of alcohol-free,” Joe quipped, drawing laughs from the bank staff. His humor and culinary talents, paired with Joy’s green thumb and fresh vegetables, has made the couple’s surprise visits a highlight of the year for the employees.
For the Campbells, the tradition is simple: spreading holiday cheer, one delicious meal at a time. “It’s just something we love to do,” Joe said. “And it’s always worth it to see the smiles.”
As the aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled the air and employees gathered for a holiday feast, one thing was clear, this small-town tradition embodies the spirit of the season in the most delightful way.
