Community members in Santa Cruz came together on Christmas Day to share joy and a traditional holiday meal at the annual Christmas Community Dinner hosted at the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building. This cherished event, which has taken place for nearly four decades, provides free meals to those in need, thanks to the commitment of local veterans and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Trevor Hutchison, the organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Without community participation, none of this happens,” he stated. Hutchison highlighted the growing challenges many face with the rising costs of groceries and rent. For some, a warm meal and a bag of produce from local distributions like the Holy Cross Food Pantry can make a significant difference.
Many individuals have expressed gratitude for the support they receive. Hutchison recalled a poignant moment with a client who credited the pantry with saving his life. “He was able to focus on getting work and sure enough, three months later, he told me he got a job,” Hutchison said, recalling the moment as one of celebration.
Volunteers Bring Holiday Spirit to the Dinner
A long line formed outside the Veterans Memorial Building on December 25 as attendees eagerly awaited the opening of the doors for the Christmas Community Dinner. Volunteers, some of whom return year after year, play a vital role in making the event successful. Brian Shulman, who greeted guests on Christmas Day, shared his feelings about volunteering during the holidays. “When it comes to Christmas, it’s nice to have somewhere to go and something to be merry about,” he remarked.
The atmosphere inside was filled with warmth and excitement. James Sclar, a staff member and Marine veteran, expressed his pride in the efforts of the kitchen crew and volunteers. “This is their pride and joy. They love doing this,” Sclar noted, as he welcomed participants to the community meal.
For attendees like James Michael Gonzales, the dinner is about more than just food. “It’s great to see all the folks that are usually outside, inside,” Gonzales reflected, highlighting the importance of community connections during the holiday season.
A Family’s Commitment to Giving Back
Among the many volunteers was Steve Schweikart from Morgan Hill, known at the event as the “coffee guy.” He attended the dinner alongside his wife, Shantell Schweikart, and daughter, Reese Schweikart. The family decided to volunteer this year instead of focusing solely on their own Christmas celebrations. “We wanted to do something that we could feel good about, instead of just focusing on stuff,” Steve explained.
Steve took pride in serving coffee, believing that a simple cup could uplift spirits. “Just standing here as people are coming in and handing people coffee is, for me, pretty awesome,” he said, emphasizing the joy of sharing the experience with his family.
The Christmas Community Dinner not only provides meals but also fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit. As the event concluded, many left with full bellies and warm hearts, embodying the spirit of giving that defines the holiday season.
For more information about the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building and its community initiatives, visit veteranshall.org.
