St. Matthew’s House serves more than 800 people on Christmas Day

NAPLES Fla. - On a day that can feel lonely for some, hundreds of people in Naples found a hot meal and a warm welcome at St. Matthew’s House’s annual Christmas Day community dinner.

The free holiday meal was served at LuLu’s Kitchen, where volunteers and staff spent the day handing out plates, greeting guests, and making sure no one felt turned away. Organizers say more than 800 people were served, with both dine-in and take-out options available.

For Christo Espinoza, the experience was about more than food.

“Here we found friendship,” Espinoza said. “The people are very, very friendly, very kind.”

Espinoza said seeing volunteers give their time on Christmas Day left a lasting impression.

“These people, volunteers don’t receive nothing,” he said. “They only give.”

Guests from across Southwest Florida and even out of state filled the dining room throughout the afternoon. Many said the event offered a sense of dignity and belonging during a holiday that can be especially difficult for those facing hardship.

Naples resident Tina Masouras said the dinner made her feel welcomed and cared for.

“It was an honor. It was a blessing to be coming here, to be served a great meal, great volunteers,” Masouras said. “It was just amazing.”

Masouras, who said she is currently experiencing homelessness, described the day as a reminder that kindness still exists.

“This was a total blessing,” she said. “It was phenomenal.”

St. Matthew’s House says more than 50 volunteers helped make the event possible. For some, giving back was deeply personal.

Volunteer Peggy Roland said she remembers what it felt like to be on the receiving end of help as a child.

“When I was a little girl, we didn’t have much, and volunteers provided our Christmas,” Roland said. “It’s gone full circle, and I know how it feels to be on the other side.”

Organizers say the Christmas dinner is part of a broader mission to serve people year round, not just during the holidays.

St. Matthew’s House says it will continue providing meals and support services throughout the new year.