Now that Christmas music is playing wherever you go, it is time to start thinking about the annual Communinty Christmas Dinner.
This year’s dinner will be served noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 25 in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church, 1905 Lebanon Road. Home delivery is again availbe this year and will be done before serving starts at the church.
Chairpersons Joyce Fitzwater and Angelina Ball and other committee members are currently in the planning stages for the dinner. They plan to serve a traditional meal of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, noodles, stuffing, vegetables, assorted desserts, beverages and some surprises. Santa Claus always stops in to visit with all after he is done with his busy night.
Since 2007, when 600 meals were served, the dinner has grown tremendously. Last year, organizers served about 1,100 meals, and they expect to serve even more this year. Home delivery is a large part of this event, accounting for 65-70% of the meals served.
“This dinner is for the community whether you no longer have the space to have your family together, have no family, are having difficult times, traveling through, whatever the situation, we want you to come,” Fitzwater said. “It has become a great meeting of old friends that have now become family.”
In order to meet the need, organizers are seeking corporate contributors, like Acuity Brands Lighting, which donated 40 turkeys. Robin’s HomeStyle Catering is storing them until Christmas when Scott Kenter and his volunteers will again cook 40 turkeys at Arni’s Restaurant. In the past, Pace Dairy also has been a contributor.
In addition to corporate contributors, monetary donations, gift cards and desserts are greatly appreciated.
“If your church, club, school or any restaurant or food provider would want to bake and donate, we would really appreciate and can pick up if needed,” Fitzwater said.
Dessert donations may be dropped off at the church Dec. 23, Dec. 24 or Christmas morning.
Organizers also need volunteers to help with the food preparations, decorating and setting up the dining room on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24. They also need cooks, servers, hosts and a clean-up crew on Christmas Day. To volunteer, donate items or need to have donations picked up, call 765-366-2341.
To volunteer to deliver meals, call Linda at 765-362-5650 or Joyce at 765-366-2341. Also call this number for home delivery.
Financial donations may be mailed to MCCCD at 1008 E. Market St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933. For more information, call 765-366-2341.
