This is one of a series of stories about the nonprofit agencies that receive money from The Gazette/El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund campaign that runs through the holidays.

Several times a week since the mid-1980s, Thomas “Tommy Gun” Morales has found his way to the Marian House.

“I’m not homeless or anything,” Morales is quick to explain. “They’re real generous people there and they help a lot.”

The 69-year-old said he goes for a hot meal and the camaraderie. “It’s just me. My wife passed awhile back, so I go for the food, but I know about everyone there. They all know Tommy Gun.”

The Marian House, operated by Catholic Charities, serves the elderly, disabled, working poor and the homeless by providing daily meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, gas vouchers and emergency services.

“They even have toys for the kids,” Morales said. “When you go to the Marian House you stand in line, but if people have kids they can cut the line and go right in. They’ve got a special room for families with kids. Everyone knows kids come first.”

Meals are served seven days a week. Morales said he once asked one of the volunteers how many people had been served that day and was told 650.

“The word is out and people come from all over,” he said. “They have rules though. They won’t let you in if they smell alcohol on your breath. Other than that they give you whatever you need. People can get toothpaste or take showers. They give you shoes if you need ’em.”

Morales said he would like to help the volunteers and staff at the Marian House, but explained that health issues keep him from doing so.

“I can’t do much to help out,” he said. “They’re OK with that. They’re all good, polite, friendly people. Most are just volunteers.

“They say ‘hey Tommy Gun how you doing?'” he said. “That’s real nice.”