Join Pitt’s Christmas Day celebration: free meals, music, & more

Pitt’s annual “Christmas Day” event returns on Dec. 25 for its 19th year, serving meals and spreading holiday cheer to the community.

As the holiday season approaches, the University of Pittsburgh is preparing to welcome community members for its cherished annual tradition: Christmas Day at Pitt. Now in its 19th year, this heartwarming initiative brings together volunteers and guests for a festive celebration aimed at ensuring no one spends Christmas Day alone or without a warm meal.

A community celebration on December 25

The event will take place at The Eatery at Towers, located at 3990 Fifth Ave, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend without advance registration or tickets. While seated dining continues until 1:30 p.m., to-go meals will be available during the final hour until 2:30 p.m.

This year’s event has mobilized an impressive volunteer force of 156 people who will serve meals and distribute gifts on Christmas Day. Justin Dandoy, director of community affairs at Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, describes it as “a wonderful example of the spirit of the season” that focuses on “sharing in community and making meaningful, heartfelt connections during the holiday.”

Expanding community impact

The initiative’s reach extends far beyond the campus celebration. Through partnerships with The Salvation Army and other community organizations, 2,800 additional meals will be distributed throughout Pittsburgh’s Homewood, Hill District, and Greater Hazelwood neighborhoods. These meals, provided by Pitt EATS by Compass Chartwells, will be packaged by 83 dedicated volunteers before distribution.

Assistant Director of Community Affairs Caitlyn Crowder highlights the event’s growing impact: “Many volunteers aren’t keeping this a Pitt-exclusive tradition; they bring in family members and friends to help spread the holiday cheer.”

Collaborative effort & gift distribution

The University has joined forces with several local organizations, including the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh, Color Me Urban, and True T Pittsburgh, to enhance the day’s success. Thanks to generous donations from the Pitt community through the Christmas Day at Pitt Gift Drive, children will receive presents while adults will be given winter accessories.

Speaking to PittWire, Dandoy emphasized the event’s inclusive nature: “For those who may not have a place to come together with family or might find themselves without folks with which to celebrate the season, Pitt becomes that gathering place and our community becomes those people. It’s a really unique and special event.”

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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Keystone staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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