Catholic Charities treats hundreds to holiday lunch concert in St. Paul
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Lunch hour at Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul is always busy, but especially so this time of year.
"For anybody, right, holidays can bring joy, but it can also bring some stress," program manager Jen Kissling said.
The nonprofit is helping reduce some of that holiday strain with live music from the St. Paul Viola Ensemble.
"When we come to play for people and see how it touches them, it makes all the hard work worth it," said ensemble founding director Elizabeth Cregan.
The holiday music and meals are part of the nonprofit's goal to bring normalcy to folks experiencing homelessness.
"I like music. I love music," Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place client Felix Pineda-Tamayo said.
A musician himself, the music stirs memories for Pineda-Tomayo. The 82-year-old Marine veteran and former St. Paul police officer has been receiving help from Dorothy Day for the last few months.
In recent years, the Opportunity Center has seen a spike in need, particularly within the elderly and mobility-challenged community. Pineda-Tomayo says he'll have housing soon, but his work in service — much like his friends at Dorothy Day — is far from over.
"I like to help people and I feel comfortable to help people, because no matter who you are or where you come from, you are human," he said.
The program serves around 700 people each day. Another volunteer group will share music at Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place on Christmas Day.
