Adam’s Angels’ guests enjoy Christmas Day Luncheon and free pop-up shop
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Christmas can be lonely for those without places to go.
Adam's Angels changed that.
"Today is a special day , we have a full house and all our guests are leaving with full tummies and full hearts," said the program's namesake Adam McKaig.
Volunteers served the nonprofit's 4th Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Veterans Memorial Building on Cabrillo Blvd. in Santa Barbara.
Children from Franklin School made the adorable table centerpieces that included holiday scenes.
Co-founder Melissa Border directed people to a free pop-up shop.
Those in need didnt leave empty handed.
They chose items donated by Deckers, Richie's Barbershop and others.
For dessert, community members dropped off homemade and store bought cookies.
And while they dined and shopped they had a chance to listen to live music.
Maitland Ward invited about a dozen artists.
"It makes you feel good, it gets all our musician friends to do something good," said Ward, "Believe it or not everyone loves coming down here even in the earliest hours of Christmas morning, they do it year after year, we have had Grammy winners, we have had everyday musicians, we try to get a great cross section of Santa Barbara and we love doing it."
The Rhythmic Arts Project founder and Fatback,Life in the Pocket author Eddie Tuduri drummed nonstop for more than two hours.
"I love it, I am so happy I got to do it."
Tuduri said singer and songwriter Miriam Dance's version of "O Holy Night" brought tears to his eyes.
"If it wasn't my favorite Christmas song it is now," said Tuduri.
Other entertainers included Henry Garrett, Jan Ingram, Michael Andrews, Charlie Baker, Jacksonn Gillies and Meagan, Bob Montanes, and Hector Hurtado
In years past Kenny Loggins and Alan Parsons jammed on stage.
Guests including Steven Waterman said they enjoyed it all.
"It brings a warm heart to me and there is a lot of support and where we have the music and great dinner and getting that Christmas spirit in here," said Waterman who shared some lasagna with his dog Jinx.
"It was awesome" said Ethan Shenkman
Volunteers will be there early to set up and stay late to clean up.
Donations are welcome to cover the costs at https://adamsangels.life
"It is the most magnificent event from the bottom of my heart, see we are in need, we are happy to celebrate here," said Marta Vasquez.
Father Larry Gosselin encouraged people to take it all in.
"This is a beautiful outreach of the community of Santa Barbara and how the community truly reaches out to needs of all people and we are truly blessed with the generosity of each and every person," said Fr. Larry.
Adam's Angels volunteers are usually filling bags of food and supplies for the unhoused on Monday nights at a local church, but since Christmas fell on Monday they came out to make this holiday dinners something special for those in need.
Supporters can also follow Adam's Angels on social media.
