Volunteers prepare for annual community Christmas dinner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Volunteers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grand Island are preparing for their annual Community Christmas Day dinner, now in its 28th year. The event honors the memory of a church family member who passed away from cancer at an early age. The initiative began as a way to celebrate and remember that individual, and it has grown into a cherished tradition for the community.

Volunteer coordinator Carol Bryant explained that the first dinner was organized by a group of church members who wanted to do something meaningful in honor of their loved one. “They wanted to do something to honor that family member. So they helped organize the first Christmas dinner, and it’s continued since then,” Bryant said.

This year, the church expects to serve between 800 and 1,000 meals to anyone in the community, regardless of their financial situation. The event provides not only food but also a sense of companionship during the holiday season. Bryant, who has been involved with the dinner since its inception, noted that the number of businesses contributing donations has grown over the years, though the event has always been substantial from the start.

Preparations for the dinner began on Tuesday, with over 100 volunteers needed on Christmas Day itself. Bryant, who has taken on various roles in the event, shared her experience: “I started out helping in the kitchen by dishing up food as people go through a line to get their food. So, like, they get their turkey, they get corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.”

The community is invited to the church at 1515 S Harrison St. at noon to enjoy traditional holiday offerings such as ham, turkey pies, and other festive foods. There will also be carolers and an opportunity for children to receive gifts from Santa Claus.

Bryant emphasized the joy of the event: “Just seeing the number of people who come to the dinner, the families that come, the repeat volunteers who come. Santa is here, so you see the joy of children as they receive a package for Christmas, a present that maybe otherwise, normally they wouldn’t have gotten.”

Bryant concluded, “It just gives you a sense of satisfaction to be helping people on Christmas and to be in the spirit of Christmas.”

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