For the past five years, an organization of community volunteers have made efforts to see that everyone in the community has a Christmas dinner.
This year is no different.
From 2-7 p.m. Dec. 25, the sixth annual Christmas Day dinner will be served at the Road House Nightclub and Community Center free of charge. The event features a roast beef and ham dinner and welcomes anyone who wishes to come.
“This dinner is for the community,” said Lee Grimm, one of the event’s organizers. “It is a giving event.”
Grimm said last year, more than 400 people gathered together to eat the meal and enjoy good music and company. Another 300 people, who were unable to leave their homes, had meals delivered to them, he added.
“Many people will call in and we’ll bring them a meal,” he said. “We have volunteers who are running everywhere that day.”
Free rides are also available to those who want to eat at the Road House, but have no transportation. To reserve a free ride, call the Road House at 286-3545 from 2-6:30 p.m. Those who call should include their phone number, address and pick-up time.
“We just want to make sure everyone who wants to come is able to,” Grimm said.
Because of the success the event saw last year, organizers are anticipating more people will attend this year and decided to extend the meal time to 7 p.m.
Grimm explained the overall spirit at the dinner is “unbelievable.” He noted it is always pleasing to enjoy the company of each other and the entertainment throughout the meal.
The Mennonite Choir and The Falls Community Orchestra are among some of the musical entertainment expected to perform at some point during the evening.
Because the event is free, many donations are made and last year, Grimm said about $2,550 was collected and then donated to the Falls Hunger Coalition.
The Christmas Day dinner is based entirely on volunteers, and Grimm said that people are still needed to help make the night a success.
“Everyone who gets involved really enjoys themselves and they really make a difference,” he said.
Volunteers are needed to serve food, bus tables, greet people at the door, wash dishes, etc. Grimm said anyone interested can call him at 286-5649 or email him at clgrim57@yahoo.com. Interested volunteers can also call the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 283-8606.
“We appreciate everyone and anyone who can help,” he said. “People always have a great time and really seem to enjoy spending the holiday with people in their community.”
