Christmas dinners aim to brighten day

LIMA — No one should go without a meal on Christmas. Thanks to several local efforts, no one has to.

Several free meals are again available on Christmas Day, including at the American Legion Post 96 banquet hall.

“We want to do our part to help the community,” said Kyle Catlett, of American Legion Post 96. “No one should go without companionship on Christmas and no one should go hungry.” 

A homemade dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the eighth year of the dinner, which includes a visit from Santa and gifts for children. Kathy “DJ Kat” Thompson will play Christmas music.

The American Legion seeks donations of nonperishable food items and clothing to give to people coming to the dinner. Items can be dropped off at the American Legion.

Black and White Cab will offer free rides to and from the dinner. Call 419-222-6161. The American Legion encourages first responders working on Christmas to come in for dinner.

Westside United Methodist Church will offer breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. The church does the breakfast once a month for neighborhood people, but decided to open it up for the community on Christmas.

The Y Annex is again working with Firm Foundation Christian Center to provide a meal. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Goody bags will be given out and entertainment provided.

The dinner served about 150 last year, with some lining up 45 minutes ahead of time, said Jason Casey, director of residence life at the annex.

“I think it is tremendously important,” he said. “From seeing the turnout and how people rely on us every Christmas to have a meal, I believe it is something that needs to be around.”

The dinner is possible thanks to donations from St. Rita’s Medical Center, Clyde Rauch and Eric Wiechart. Casey is still accepting donations for this year’s dinner and future dinners. Call 419-222-7841.

For the 16th year, those looking for a meal and time with others can stop in at Ray’s Place,. Meals will be served starting at noon.

“I see the need in this community, and I know what it is like to go hungry,” owner Ray Magnus said. “I don’t want to see someone go without a meal and companionship.”

The holiday meal provided by Rockford United Methodist has continued to grow since staring six years ago, organizer Susan Sheppard said. The meal, served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rockford Community Building in Shanes Park, is open to anyone.

“We are really encouraging not just those who are hungry, but also those who are alone and would normally spend the holiday by themselves,” Sheppard said.

The formal meal has seen more and more families coming in to share the time together, Sheppard said. Christmas gifts will be given to children under age 12.