For the 20th consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh opened its doors on Christmas Day for folks to enjoy a warm meal in good company.<\/p>\n
Lorraine Stephens of Penn Hills got into the holiday spirit with her 5-year-old son and his godmothers, something that’s not always easy this time of year.<\/p>\n
“People can get a little bit low,” Stephens said. “They’re just going through tough times, going through a lot.”<\/p>\n
For the second time, they went to the Eatery on Pitt’s campus in Oakland, so they could spend Christmas with others and possibly run into some of their friends.<\/p>\n
“I like this event. It’s nice. You’ve got kids running around, the hot chocolate’s good,” Stephens said.<\/p>\n
People from across the Pittsburgh area came together for the annual event, all for their own reasons, whether it was loneliness, a lack of means to celebrate, or simply not having the cooking gene. This was the case for Novia Wilson, who lives in Penn Hills.<\/p>\n
“I’m not really a good cook,” Wilson said.<\/p>\n
Pitt Associate Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Community Affairs Jamie Ducar said they were prepared to serve 750 meals for about 500 guests, with the help of 250 volunteers.<\/p>\n
“This tradition actually started with the Salvation Army, who had a network of meal partners over a decade ago, and so we are one of the few, if not the only, sites that is still continuing on the tradition,” Ducar said.<\/p>\n
Folks enjoyed a special meal for free and took home leftovers before picking out a new coat and winter necessities, along with a gift for the kiddos.<\/p>\n
“We ask them about some of their favorite things, and then our volunteers in the gift room help to match a gift,” Ducar said.<\/p>\n
However, for Stephens, it’s more than a meal and presents; it’s the people.<\/p>\n
“It helps me to be thankful. It helps me to also stay humble,” Stephens said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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