Amid the whirlwind of festivity on Christmas Day, something magical was taking place at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Barbara. Thanks to Adam’s Angels, founded by Adam McKaig and his partner Melissa Borders, the venue overflowed with warmth and generosity.
For the fourth consecutive year, some 100 volunteers donned halos of goodwill and hosted a holiday meal open to anyone in the community.
The event wasn’t just about food, though, it was about embracing the community in togetherness and offering from a delicious spread to a free pop-up shop for the guests.
“It’s a collective family gathering,” said McKaig.
Teaming up with Veterans’ Memorial Building manager Carmen Munoz, her staff, and even her family, Adam’s Angels curated a variety of donations — hoodies, jackets, gloves, shoes, backpacks — provided by Deckers.
Centerpieces for the tables were crafted by children in Room 3 at Franklin School in Santa Barbara..
Just a month earlier, in November, Adam’s Angels hosted a Thanksgiving feast, also at the Veterans Memorial Building, for those in the community who needed it most.
Adam’s Angels was started during the pandemic when McKaig, a local Realtor, reached out to seniors in need via Facebook.
What began as a small gesture has become a 501(c)(3) organization with 400 volunteers. They serve the homeless and vulnerable by providing weekly essentials like food, groceries, and medications to the elderly.
“Nobody, including myself receives compensation for Adam’s Angels. Every cent is reinvested,” McKaig said.
With a steady stream of donations, the organization hopes to broaden its services to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Volunteers who helped during the recent holidays commented about their experiences:
“I’m here to give back and share in the joy,” said Kathryn Martin, Santa Barbara Symphony CEO.
“Adam’s Angels are doing much-needed work in the community,” said Martin’s husband Peter.
Other volunteers included Keith Hudson (singer Katy Perry’s father) of Hudson Ministries, Fred Brander of Brander Vineyards, and John Lund.
“It feels great to help the community that once helped me,” Brander said of his first volunteering stint with Adam’s Angels.
“The festivities wouldn’t be complete without the community’s support — everything generously contributed by local businesses and individuals,” McKaig said.
Santa Barbara musicians Maitland Ward, along with George Friedenthal, Bobby Montanes, Hector Hurtado, Henry Garrett, Jan Ingram, Michael Andrews, Charlie Baker, Jackson Gillies, Leslie Lembo, and Miriam Dance, provided entertainment for the evening.
The holiday meal was prepared by John Stampie, who started cooking at 6 a.m. to be ready for guests, and Geoff Akers.
“Giving back to the community is a calling that only grows stronger with time,” Akers said.
Reflecting on her fourth year hosting the Annual Christmas Meal, co-founder Melissa Borders said, “Volunteers need a home during the holidays as much as our guests. Here, they all find that sense of belonging.”