KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Dozens of volunteers came out to provide hundreds of meals for the 48th annual Kansas City Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner.
“This is the, I don’t know, 8th, 10th, 12th year I’ve done it,” said Paul Santaularia. “I get here about 5:30 in the morning to prepare about 650-750 meals.”
Turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, pies and more were prepared all morning. Dozens of volunteers helped at three different locations across the Kansas City area preparing, serving, and delivering meals in Kansas City to St. Peter’s Elementary School and Solid Rock Bible Church, and the Christ United Methodist Church in Independence.
“This is our second year doing it as a family,” said Katie Ramos. “Teddy was three months old last year when we started, and Augie was 4. We love doing it.”
Ramos said for both her and her husband, keeping the real meaning of Christmas at the forefront is important to them. They’ve been volunteering on Dec. 25 for years.
“Sometimes I think we get more out of it, simply because it’s really fulfilling for us and we are also trying to set the standard for the boys,” said Ramos. “That Christmas isn’t just about us getting presents. It’s about showing love to people and showing the love of Jesus to everyone around us.”
For Richard White, the man who started it all 48 years ago, this is what Christmas is all about.
“All the people who have come together to make this a community event,” said White. “Like my daughter said: ‘Dad, we have the largest family on Christmas Day in Kansas City,’ and it’s true. All these people are family and I love them.”
Learn more about the Kansas City Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner at their website.
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