Holiday meal: 30 sign-up for volunteers - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health Sacramento Bee:
"One of the hottest seasonal banquets around doesn't cost money and isn't taking reservations: It's the annual holiday meal held Dec. 24 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis.
Hundreds of diners line up for the chance to enjoy a free buffet and celebrate the season with community members from all walks of life. As Americans focus on enjoying simpler things this holiday season, this Davis tradition stands out like a beacon."
"Everyone is welcome and everyone comes," says Ellen Pontac, a longtime holiday meal volunteer. "Homeless people come, and people who really need a meal, but mostly people who want to get together as a community."
The holiday meal turns 24 this year. Originally begun by two Davis Food Co-op employees far from home at Christmas, the event has grown to gigantic proportions.
"One of the hottest seasonal banquets around doesn't cost money and isn't taking reservations: It's the annual holiday meal held Dec. 24 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis.
Hundreds of diners line up for the chance to enjoy a free buffet and celebrate the season with community members from all walks of life. As Americans focus on enjoying simpler things this holiday season, this Davis tradition stands out like a beacon."
"Everyone is welcome and everyone comes," says Ellen Pontac, a longtime holiday meal volunteer. "Homeless people come, and people who really need a meal, but mostly people who want to get together as a community."
The holiday meal turns 24 this year. Originally begun by two Davis Food Co-op employees far from home at Christmas, the event has grown to gigantic proportions.