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The annual Christmas Day at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ event will return for its 18th year on Dec. 25, and organizers are hoping to make the biggest impact on the community yet.

The event brings together the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community to serve a holiday meal to members of the city and region who may not have other opportunities to celebrate this season. Volunteers from 51��Ʒ��Ƶ also help distribute winter gear and presents for neighbors during the festivities.

Christmas Day at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Meals will be to-go only from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; guests must arrive before 1:30 p.m. to be seated. The event will take place at The Eatery at Towers, 3990 Fifth Ave.

“Due to the commitment of our campus partners, we'll be celebrating Christmas Day at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ with the largest number of meals, gifts and volunteers in the event's history, and that's something of which we’re very proud,” said Justin Dandoy, 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s director of community affairs.

More than 250 volunteers will package��in advance and help serve��3,300 meals to surrounding communities. This, according to Dandoy, will be the most meals the event has ever distributed — doubling last year’s number.

Meals are provided through 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Eats by Compass Chartwells and 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. The Salvation Army and other community partners will distribute meals in Greater Hazelwood, Homewood and the Hill District.

“The Salvation Army is proud to partner with the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ again this year to help meet the growing needs of our neighbors,” said Major Philip Lloyd, general secretary of The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Divisional Headquarters.��“Our partnership with 51��Ʒ��Ƶ enhances our ability to extend compassion and support, especially during the holiday season, so families can instead focus on celebrating with each other.”

In addition to meals, every child at the event will receive a free gift, thanks to donations from a wide variety of community partners, including 12 University departments and 10 external community partner organizations. All attendees can also try on and take home free winter accessories such as coats, hats, scarves, gloves, socks and mittens.

“You can come in and get a hot meal, you can sit next to your neighbors, you can meet new people, you can connect with 51��Ʒ��Ƶ colleagues and you can get a present and get warm accessories,” said Gabrielle DeMarchi, assistant director of community affairs. “51��Ʒ��Ƶ will be here for you on a day that sometimes people don’t have a space to go to.”

How to volunteer

Help make the holiday a joyous one for everyone by volunteering for Christmas Day at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ. Opportunities are available throughout the day and include meal prep, meal serving, cleaning, gift distribution and general support.

On Monday, Dec. 18, and Tuesday, Dec. 19, work alongside 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs and 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Eats to help package 1,600-1,900 meals that will be distributed into the 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh community on Christmas Day. .

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— Nick France, photography by George Mendel