Free Christmas Dinner in Mat-Su: Christmas Friendship Dinner

Christmas Friendship Dinner

Contributed by Tia and Linda

The Christmas season is here! That means the Christmas Friendship Dinner volunteers are gearing up to provide the Mat-Su Valley a free Christmas event hosted at the Menard Sports Complex on Christmas Day from 11am to 3pm, it will be packed with good food, friendly volunteers, entertainment and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus!

The dinner started 32 years ago by Bob and Judy Bower and Harold Newcome feeding 67 people who had no place to go for the holidays. It has now grown today to feeding 2500 meals last year and now an estimated 3000 this year. We are all community volunteers that have a heart for making the holidays special by sharing a meal and our time together.

We also deliver meals to families that have a home bound member who can’t join us in person from Talkeetna to Sutton. In addition to In- House dining at the Menard Sports Complex, from 11am to 3pm, we also have a drive through where you can pick up a meal and take it home to enjoy.

We have gift bags for the kiddos and seniors that Santa gives out with a smile.

If you have a heart for giving to others and have time we could always use more help decorating, working in the kitchen and setting up tables and chairs. On Christmas day we have many volunteering opportunities and all are welcome. Call Tia at 907-631-9767 to share your gifts and talents or call Linda at 907-631-9776 with any questions.

Merry Christmas and hope you will join us for all the fun.