Volunteers will spread cheer, presents and thousands of meals for Christmas Day at Pitt

The University's annual Christmas Day at Pitt returns for its 19th year on Dec. 25, helping to spread holiday cheer and a warm meal with the community.

The event brings together the University of Pittsburgh community to serve a holiday meal to members of the city and region who may not have other opportunities to celebrate this season. Pitt volunteers also help distribute winter gear and presents for neighbors during the festivities.

Christmas Day at Pitt runs 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at The Eatery at Towers, 3990 Fifth Ave. Meals will be to-go only 1:30-2:30 p.m.; guests must arrive before 1:30 p.m. to be seated. No advance registration or tickets are required to attend.

"Christmas Day at Pitt is a wonderful example of the spirit of the season. It's about sharing in community and making meaningful, heartfelt connections during the holiday," said Justin Dandoy, director of community affairs in Pitt's Office of Engagement and Community Affairs (ECA).

This year, 156 people will volunteer on Christmas Day - helping to serve meals and distribute gifts for children and winter accessories for adults.

In advance of Christmas Day, 2,800 meals will be distributed by The Salvation Army and other community partners in Pitt's Neighborhood Commitments communities in Homewood, the Hill District and Greater Hazelwood. Another 83 volunteers will help package those meals, provided through Pitt EATS by Compass Chartwells, ahead of distribution.

"Large feats of service like this can't happen without the continued support of volunteers who come back year after year to contribute, and the enthusiasm they bring to each project really encapsulates the 'reason for the season,'" said Caitlyn Crowder, assistant director of community affairs in ECA. "What I also find really special is that many volunteers aren't keeping this a Pitt-exclusive tradition; they bring in family members and friends to help spread the holiday cheer."

Pitt is also partnering with the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh, Color Me Urban and True T Pittsburgh to help make the day a success. The gifts that will be distributed are thanks to the generosity of the Pitt community that donated to the Christmas Day at Pitt Gift Drive.

"From the volunteers to the Pitt and Chartwells staff to the attendees, everyone comes together to celebrate as if it were one big family - sharing a meal, listening to music, opening gifts and feeling the sense of caring and kindness," said Dandoy.

"And 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."