Hundreds Receive Holiday Gifts on a Plate

Even though boxes with bows were waiting nearby, hundreds first received a holiday gift on a plate today, from the Organic Soup Kitchen in Santa Barbara.It was more than just home made soup. This year’s dinner was a heaping serving of roast beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and vegetables. There was also a counter with fresh smoothies and desserts.”I don’t know if I can finish it off,” said a guest Art Gallegos.Nearby Elyse Douglas said, she doesn’t usually celebrate Christmas, but this brought out a special meaning that was unlike something she had experienced in years. Some food was donated. Other menu items like the roast beef was purchased with the help of a local vendor. “We bought that at the Harbor Meat and Seafood. He ended up donating quite a bit of it,” said Anthony Carroccio, with the Organic Soup Kitchen. Among the servers, was Congresswoman Lois Capps. “It’s food, it’s community, it’s giving, and it’s receiving,” said Capps who was with her son Todd on the volunteer team. One server, Donna Hanna was recently on harder financial times. “Now we’re up there and we just want to do everything in our power to help other people feel loved and appreciated.”Looking over the room, packed with tables of people from various economic levels, ranging from the working poor, to the homeless, a volunteer, D.J. said, “it’s a very giving experience. It’s a very humbling experience. and we are so lucky to have the force of volunteers to come out to help us.” Santa Claus did make a surprise appearance, and within minutes, gifts were handed out to kids and adults.”A lot of toys for kids, and a lot of gifts for adults,” Said Carroccio. “A lot of socks, hats, gloves, jackets thermal wear, anything for the element.”KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has the story.