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Published on 11/20/1995 All articles from this issue

Mac's continues Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly and homeless

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By Clyde Noel / Town Crier Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday season when millions of people are inspired to open their hearts and wallets and help the less fortunate.

Mac's Tea Room owner Ron Shanholtz has opened his heart to the homeless and elderly the last seven years by providing Thanksgiving dinners for as many as 250 people at his downtown Los Altos restaurant.

"A lot of people don't have anyone else to celebrate Thanksgiving and they could be going hungry where they live," Shanholtz said. "I try to provide good food in a nice restaurant and give them a feeling of dignity while they are here."

Shanholtz works with Community Services Agency (CSA) to provide a robust feast for the low income seniors and local homeless. He serves dinners to seniors from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at 1 p.m. a second holiday dinner for the homeless and low income.

Louise Pahl, associate director for CSA, said the people receiving the Thanksgiving dinner are selected from the CSA clients. The seniors are selected from CSA's senior case management, senior nutrition and senior outreach programs. The homeless clients are selected from the CSA Community Kitchen, Alpha Omega Shelter and clients with low incomes.

Shanholtz prefers keeping his annual Thanksgiving dinners on a low-key preferring to let his action speak for itself. With the help of volunteers and some of Mac's regular customers and employees, the Thanksgiving diners receive a full dinner that includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables and dessert.