A community center in Cortez Hill opened its doors this holiday season to anyone looking to celebrate together, welcoming hundreds of older San Diegans — and even a few four-legged friends. Serving Seniors hosted a holiday meal where people waited patiently to enter the main event, greeted by t he sound of piano music filling the room. Santa Claus also made an appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere. Melinda Forstey, who runs Serving Seniors, said the gathering provides more than just a meal. “Many of the seniors we serve do live alone. Many don’t have family,” Forstey said. “And so this is a place for them to come make friends. And really we become their family.” Serving Seniors feeds, houses and cares for older San Diegans, many of whom live on less than $10 a day. The organization provides about 1.5 million meals each year, but staff say the holiday celebration is especially meaningful. “Oh, this is a celebration. I mean, I haven’t seen this many people around in a long time,” said Richard Ramos. Each person at the event had a story. Rosalinda Flores said she was living on the street 13 years ago, trying to celebrate Christmas wherever she could. “One year we visited, you know, at the park, and it was really cold,” Flores said. “But but, we got through it.” Now, Flores has two Christmas trees in the City Heights home that Serving Seniors helped her secure. “I love everybody here. Everybody,” Flores said. The piano music that filled the room was played by John Conroy, who said he was once homeless himself. “Very scary because you were constantly on an alert all the time,” Conroy said. Now, Conroy gives back to the organization that helped him get back on his feet. “I’m using God’s gift, playing the piano for Serving Seniors and making joy for people. Holiday music is a joy for everybody,” Conroy said. At the celebration, it was sometimes hard to tell who was being helped and who was doing the helping. “I’ve even volunteered a time or two when they need an extra hand. I’m like the elf on the shelf,” Ramos said. “Some of us need a little help more than others. And, I like to help,” Flores said. Forstey said she is inspired by the people the organization serves. “I’m just amazed by the joy and the strength and resilience of the seniors that we’re serving,” Forstey said. “Many who have had hard lives but have given back, and they deserve the dignity that we provide them here.” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less