University of Pittsburgh dishes out hot meals for people in need this Christmas

PITTSBURGH — For most, Christmas is about fun, family, faith and food.

But Saturday, at the University of Pittsburgh, it was all about service.

Close to 200 volunteers dished up hot meals for those in need in hopes of helping as many people as possible have a happy holiday.

“This is one of the highlights of my year,” said Lina Dostilio, Pitt’s vice chancellor for community engagement. “This is where the University of Pittsburgh’s mission shines.”

After taking a hiatus last year, the Christmas Day at Pitt event retuned for its 16th edition – providing food and fellowship to around 1500 people – and presents for kids, too.

“We want folks that might otherwise be at home or without a place to go to have a hot meal in their bellies and great company,” said Jamie Ducar, the director of community engagement at Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs.

Vonte Moore has attended the event since 2012.

“It’s a blessing, you know, it’s real nice,” he said. “It’s something that we can do annually. It’s something that I look forward to every year.”

Among the volunteers serving up Saturday’s Christmas feast was 8-year-old Zane McMiller.

“Makes me feel happy,” he said, talking about putting a smile on other people’s faces.

McMiller is following in his late brother’s footsteps, who lent a hand at this same event from the time he was 7 until his passing.

“[It’s] just teaching him some humanity and being humble and being appreciative of the things we have at home so that he doesn’t take it for granted,” said McMiller’s mom, Linda Kulikowski.

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