Free Community Christmas Dinner To Take Place In Wallingford
WALLINGFORD, CT — Fresh off putting together its annual Thanksgiving dinner, Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc. is back at work and organizing its free community Christmas dinner.
The organization had a “fabulous” turnout on Thanksgiving and gave out 297 meals to those in need, according to Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc. President Kathy Wallace.
The free Christmas meal event will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 25 at First Congregational Church at 23 South Main St. in Wallingford.
Find out what's happening in Wallingfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The nonprofit group has been serving the community for more than 40 years by providing dinners to those in need on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Wallace said organizing the Christmas dinner does present challenges and is difficult to pull together, “particularly this year because it is so close to Thanksgiving.”
Click Here: west tigers rugby league jersey
Find out what's happening in Wallingfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I feel like I am behind, and we start prep work on Monday,” she said.
Wallace said the Christmas dinner traditionally has a lower attendance than Thanksgiving, but they are hoping to increase the number by getting the word out.
“It is also important to note that this is not a religious event,” she said. “It is secular. Anyone who is in need is welcome.”
Wallace also said, “we consider ‘in need’ in very broad terms.”
“This can be in financial need or in need of some company,” she said. “We hope lots of people will show up to help us celebrate the holiday season.”
Wallace said for her, the event is an “opportunity to give to the community.”
“I think there are lots of people that are in need of food and/or companionship,” she said. “We meet both of those needs. Also, it makes me feel good to be able to help out people. I view it as a gift to the community.
“From the community’s perspective, I hope they see this as an opportunity to get a good meal and, if they join in person, have a great time. We have crafts for people to do and a pianist that livens up the dinner with wonderful holiday music. It is quite a festive atmosphere and we are hoping that lots of people take advantage of this opportunity.”
Pre-ordered meals will also be delivered to the homebound. Those meals need to be ordered by Dec. 23, according to Wallace.
“Of course, for anyone who wants to join us at 23 S. Main St., all they need to do is come,” she said. “There is no reservation required. Also, we typically have people call in the day of the event and we do send them out meals. It is just easier for us if the meals are preordered. We don’t turn anyone away.”
Wallace said there are a handful of people involved with the planning of the event, but “we still have a lot of volunteers to get the prep work done and to help out on Christmas Day.”
“It is more difficult to get volunteers for Christmas than for Thanksgiving,” she said. “The holiday season in December is busy for a lot of people. We still need some volunteers for Christmas day, but I am hoping that we will get them in the next few days.”
Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call 203-514-8883.
To have a meal delivered, also call 203-514-8883 or email [email protected].
Anyone interesting in making a donation, should make it payable to Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc, PO Box 211, Wallingford, CT 06492. Donations are also accepted at its website here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.