Community organization offering Christmas meal

Local individuals and families wishing to share in the holiday spirit with the company of others on Christmas Day, may do so again this year.

NyE Communities Coalition’s Holiday Task Force is gearing up again for the annual free Community Christmas Dinner on Thursday at the Coalition’s Activities Center on 1020 E. Wilson Road, from noon-to-3 p.m.

The event is open to the public.

Volunteer Coordinator Linda Wright said the coalition expects to feed hundreds of local residents at the event.

“Last year, we had about 800 people for Thanksgiving and we are expecting about 800 to 1,000 for Christmas,” she said. “We’re serving ham and turkey as well as mashed potatoes, gravy and rolls. We are also having sweet potatoes and a variety of pies.”

In order to provide the Christmas dinners, Wright said the efforts of many volunteers are what makes the event a successful one each year.

She said the task force needs individuals to perform many different duties on Thursday, from refilling drinks to assisting in the kitchen.

“We are looking for volunteers to help serve the meals and help with clean-up,” she said. “Volunteers can also help with decorating the center, direct traffic in the parking lot. We are also giving out coats to those that need them this year and we are looking for volunteers to help us with that part of it too.”

With some local residents unable to make the Christmas dinner on Thursday, Wright said the coalition is again making plans to bring holiday cheer to their respective homes by way of homebound meal deliveries.

“Santa Claus will also be here this year to talk with the kids and give out candy canes and hopefully some presents,” she said.

Wright said those who can’t find the time to volunteer, may also make a monetary donation to the coalition.

For additional information on meal deliveries or volunteering call Linda DeMeo at 775-209-4683 or Linda Wright at 775-419-7857.

Monetary donations may be made by calling 775-727-9970.