Christmas For Everyone is a local independent tax-deductible charity that was started 24 years ago by Mary Perez to serve the working poor in our community.
While this year it was hosted at the New Hope International Church (2120 Olivera Rd. Concord) it is not religious in association or structure. In fact two of their most active supporters: Linda and John Kamisat are both Jewish.
After months of planning including a fundraiser concert by Justin McRoberts that was attended by over 400 people, the selfless band of volunteers hosted over 3000 guests on Christmas Day. As guests arrived they were greeted and given a collection bag and directed down rows of clothing and blankets.
Then on to the dinning hall after checking their bag. The meals were prepared from over 100 twenty-two pound Turkeys, 600 pounds of ham with a full accompaniment of potatoes, vegetables, fruit followed by cookies and pies. These are items were either made purposely for the event or donated from many restaurants and places including Marie Callendars and Safeway of Rossmoor.
After a full meal the families headed down the gift aisles where everyone gets a gift and then picks up their collection bag to return to their homes or take in the family entertainment in puppets, chorus, or some novel service such as a haircut. There were even doggie bags for the family pets that are often forgotten during these times. For those home bound, the group sent out vans with a complete set of hot meals, clothes, gifts and blankets to about 100 individuals.
Cathy McRoberts and Karen Ramos who each have had over 20 years with the charity provide the senior part of the crew with Mary Perez. Each of their families has been greatly affected in the most positive way. It is Cathy’s son, that is the star of the Concert fundraiser, which sees 100% of the funds going to the charity’s work, and Karen’s kids grew up with the idea of service.
This Christmas they suffered though several robberies of their supplies and they were made up by greater efforts by the community. On Christmas morning when it was 34 degrees out, there were 150 people standing in line. Those at the very front had been there since Midnight waiting for the doors to open at 10AM. They had come from all over Concord, Bay Point, Martinez and neighboring communities to share in this outpouring of support and kindness.
Describing the people who come on Christmas as their guests rather than the needy, no one was turned away in the spirit of the times and their name says it all: Christmas For Everyone.