Ismael Salamanca, director of health and wellness services at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach, staff and volunteers, gather to deliver Christmas meals to seniors in Long Beach. Meals are donated by the Auld Dubliner, a downtown Long Beach Irish Bar and Pub. Courtesy LGBTQ Center Long Beach

Free, ready-to-heat meals by local Irish pub and restaurant, The Auld Dubliner, will be given out by volunteers at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach on Christmas Day, The Center announced Monday.

Those picking up meals can expect tomato bisque soup, Shepherd’s Pie, Boxty (a traditional Irish potato pancake) and bread pudding. There will also be a vegan option available.

“The Center has seen an increased demand for foods and support especially from seniors due to COVID-19,” said Andrew Dorado, interim executive director of The Center, in a statement. “The Center has distributed holiday meals for years as well as hosted an in-person Christmas Day lunch.”

For holidays including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, The Center has brought meals, poinsettias and goodie bags to seniors throughout Long Beach, as well as to residents of assisted living facility, Glen Park Healthy Living in Downtown.

Contactless pickup, walk up or drive up, will be available at The Center, 2017 E. Fourth Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until supplies last, on Friday, Dec. 25. Please wear a face mask and maintain social distance.

For more information and services offered by The Center, visit centerlb.org and follow along on Instagram @centerlb.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].