Meals, Holiday Spirit Plentiful at St. Vincent's
Season Brings Firm Reminder That 'It All Begins With a Meal'

   SAN DIEGO – St. Vincent de Paul Village, 1501 Imperial Avenue, will offer various holiday meals in celebration of this special time of year. For many of San Diego's less fortunate, those meals may serve as the introduction to the comprehensive rehabilitative services the Village offers its residents and non-residents.

   On Friday, December 24, at 11 a.m., the Village will serve its annual non-resident lunch. Hundreds of volunteers will assist St. Vincentís staff in serving nearly 1,500 people roast beef, gravy and tossed green salad at the organizationís 1501 Imperial Avenue location.

   On Christmas Day at the same location, Village residents and non-residents will enjoy a holiday breakfast at 8 a.m. hosted by Keith MacKay, vice president of St. Vincentís retail division. He will be assisted by friends, family and co-workers who will come together to serve as many as 2,500 people. MacKay has hosted the breakfast for more than 16 years.

   On Sunday, December 26, the Village will serve its annual "We're Still Here" roast pork lunch at 11 a.m. The meal underscores the fact that – unlike many organizations participating in seasonal outreach – St. Vincent's prepares and serves more than 4,000 meals every day, totaling more than one million each year.

   The non-resident meals offer more than just nourishment to San Diego's needy, says Father Joe.

   "For many of our residents, it was our meal program that brought them to our doors and eventually got them acquainted with the life-changing services we offer at the Village," he says. "It all begins with a meal."

   For more information on these or other holiday events at the Village, call (619) 446-2100.

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