by Cindy Lara

To address the needs of San Antonio’s homeless people and perhaps spread some holiday joy, Trinity volunteers in December participated in the 10th annual Christmas Under the Bridge project. The event is sponsored by the San Antonio Area Homeless Action Coalition and is held under the Interstate 35 overpass at West Durango Boulevard and Pecos-La Trinidad Street.

Those giving a hand at the event with Trinity connections were Tony Zuniga (ITS), his wife Maggie, and sons Patrick and Michael; Adan Garza (Physical Plant) and his son Adrian; Ronnie Swanner (IMS) and his wife Sallieann; Juan Vasquez (Physical Plant,) wife Angela (Business Office) and their daughter, Crystal; Susie Gonzalez (Public Relations) and her daughter Marie; and me, Cindy Lara (Purchasing).

The Zunigas worked side by side with some of the more than 1,500 guests from the homeless community to cook and serve 1,000 hamburgers and hot dogs. The Garzas hung a banner for the event that was highlighted on a local television newscast. Everyone pitched in to greet visitors, take pictures, or help with cleanup efforts.

Dozens of agencies and corporations gave away food, new clothing, blankets, pillows, toys, and hygiene products. Several bands provided holiday entertainment, and even Santa put in an appearance for the children. A favorite activity was getting a free haircut.

I have been an active member of the Homeless Action Coalition for two years. At the end of the event, I encountered a stranded family that had missed their bus or weren’t sure how to find the right route to return home. The mom told me they had planned that morning to go to a shelter for some food, and to their surprise, shelter staffers directed them to Christmas Under the Bridge. Her children were excited to receive not only food, but also clothing and toys! They were so happy.

Earlier in the year, Diane Saphire, associate vice president of information resources, and four students assisted the Homeless Action Coalition by analyzing data taken from 900 homeless people in a 2003 survey. Students helping with this project were Maeve Goetz, now enrolled in the Master’s in Teaching program; John Herlin, a December graduate; senior Jonathan Sterbanz; and junior Matthew Brady.

Next year, plan to join the Trinity community in helping the hopeless enjoy Christmas Under the Bridge! You might discover a new definition of holiday giving.