Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, is gearing up to prepare and distribute 13,000 holiday meals through its annual St. Augustine Hunger Center Christmas meals program. Meals will be provided free to the community both on-site and through home delivery across Greater Cleveland.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the meals and to deliver meals.
Those interested in receiving a Christmas meal should register by noon on Dec. 22 by calling 216-377-3725 or emailing holidays@ccdocle.org. Required information includes the name, phone number, address and number of meals requested.
Meal delivery will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
“One in seven people across Greater Cleveland is food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal will come from,” said Fredy Robles, chief program officer of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. “Caring for unmet needs in our communities is a top priority at Catholic Charities, and we embrace the holidays especially as important opportunities to touch the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”
Community members also are invited to visit the St. Augustine Hunger Center for a special holiday meal service on Dec. 25. Christmas meals will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Augustine Hunger Center, 1400 Howard Ave., Cleveland. In addition to serving the individuals and families who visit the hunger center, Catholic Charities also will provide hot meals for distribution through approximately 15 community partners that support individuals in need in surrounding communities.
Catholic Charities organizes hundreds of volunteers annually to assist with the special holiday meal services and the delivery of meals out into the community.
Those interested in volunteering for the Christmas meal program should visit ccdocle.org/holiday meals to view and sign up for available opportunities. Volunteers must register by Dec. 22.
“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing, and we are grateful for the gracious support of hundreds of volunteers who spend part of their Christmas day joining us in service at the St. Augustine Hunger Center,” said Meghan Pitrak, director of emergency assistance services for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.
During the 2023 holiday season, individuals and families across Northeast Ohio also can make a monetary gift at ccdocle.org/donate.
Catholic Charities’ community provides hot meals year-round at sites across Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties.
As one of the largest comprehensive health and human services organizations in the region, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, delivers more than 150 services at 60 locations to 400,000 people each year, providing help and creating hope for people of every race and religion. Counties served locally by Catholic Charities are Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne. Visit ccdocle.org for more information.