On Christmas Day, community members in Santa Cruz came together at the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building to celebrate the annual Christmas Community Dinner. The event, which has a rich history spanning nearly four decades, offers a traditional holiday meal to those in need, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and sponsors.
Organized by Trevor Hutchison, the annual dinner exemplifies the spirit of community involvement. Hutchison highlighted the importance of participation, stating, “Without community participation, none of this happens.” He emphasized the need for collaboration, encouraging individuals to lend a helping hand during challenging times.
Many attendees expressed gratitude for the warm meal and sense of belonging, particularly in light of rising costs for groceries and rent. Hutchison shared a poignant story of a man who credited community support with helping him secure employment after receiving assistance from local food pantry services. “When I was at Holy Cross, there was someone who came and thanked us for being there because he said if we weren’t there, he’d be dead,” Hutchison recalled.
Volunteer Spirit Shines Bright
The event attracted a long line of eager participants on December 25, as locals waited for the doors to open. Volunteers like Brian Shulman returned year after year, noting the gratitude they feel while serving during the holidays. “When I volunteer for Thanksgiving, it’s a grateful, thankful experience,” Shulman said. “At the Christmas meal, every answer I have is yes.”
Staff members, including James Sclar, a Marine veteran, expressed joy at the turnout. “We have an incredible kitchen crew and amazing volunteers,” Sclar commented, highlighting the pride that comes with providing meals to the community.
Among the attendees was James Michael Gonzales, who appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with friends at the dinner. “It’s great to see all the folks that are usually outside, inside,” Gonzales observed, acknowledging the significance of the gathering for those who often struggle with food insecurity.
Families Join Forces to Give Back
One family that made a special effort to volunteer was the Schweikart family from Morgan Hill. Steve Schweikart, designated as the event’s “coffee guy,” expressed the fulfilling experience of serving alongside his wife and teenage daughter. “We were looking for something different this year,” he explained, noting that they chose to postpone their own Christmas celebrations to contribute to the community.
Steve described the joy of serving coffee to attendees, believing that a simple cup of hot coffee can uplift spirits. “Just standing here as people are coming in and handing people coffee is, for me, pretty awesome,” he said.
The dinner not only provided a meal but also fostered connections among attendees and volunteers, reinforcing a sense of community. For more information about the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building and future events, visit veteranshall.org.
