Christmas meal canceled in Colo. Springs

For the first time in more than a decade, there will be no “Miracle on Tejon Street” food giveaway this year on Christmas in downtown Colorado Springs.

The annual benefit, which had fed thousands since its inception, was canceled after the Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom in downtown Colorado Springs closed in July.

Old Chicago had considered moving the event to its location on the northeast side, but management worried about not having enough time to plan the event. And REACH Pikes Peak, whose programs assist low-income people and families in El Paso County and who helped sponsor the event for several years, opted not to participate because the organization worried it would be too difficult for the people who usually attend to get to the new location.

Old Chicago raised about $8,000 through a summer charity golf tournament to help pay for this year’s Miracle event, said Todd Wyatt, the restaurant’s regional manager. Instead, that money was donated to local nonprofits. The restaurant hopes to bring the holiday meal back in 2017.