Free Community Christmas Dinner To Take Place In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Organizers are making final preparations for the Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc.’s annual Christmas dinner this week.

The free Christmas meal event to support those in need in the Wallingford area will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 25 at First Congregational Church in the church hall at 23 South Main St. in Wallingford.

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.

The organization’s recent Thanksgiving dinner went “really well,” according to Wallingford Community Dinners, Inc. President Kathy Wallace.

“We served 274 meals, which shows just how much the community relies on and values this event,” Wallace said. “The day ran smoothly thanks to our volunteers and generous donors.”

Organizing the Christmas dinner does present some challenges since it’s such a quick turnaround from the Thanksgiving dinner, according to Wallace.

“As soon as Thanksgiving wraps up, we’re already focused on Christmas,” she said. “It takes a lot of coordination, but our team is experienced and committed, which makes it possible.”

There are more than 100 volunteers involved, from planning and logistics to cooking, serving, and delivery, according to Wallace.

“It truly takes a village to make this happen,” she said.

The organization is still in need of more volunteers for a variety of shifts, from food prep and serving to meal delivery and cleanup, and organizers say it’s a great opportunity for individuals, families, and high school students seeking community service hours.

The group expects to serve around 300 people on Christmas Day, either in person or through delivers to homebound resident who pre-register.

Wallace said the Christmas dinner is a “bit different” from the Thanksgiving event.

“Not everyone celebrates the holiday, so the focus is really on community and connection rather than the holiday itself,” she said. “The need is still there, and for many guests, it’s about having a warm meal and not being alone.”

Since the deadline for pre-ordering meals for the homebound has passed, Wallace said she would appreciate it if people would pre-order as soon as possible so they can plan appropriately.

“I want to make sure no one is missed,” she said.

To pre-order a meal, call 203-514-8883 or email WallingfordCommunityDinners@gmail.com. Those interesting in volunteering or donating can also use that contact information.

“This event is about more than a meal,” Wallace said. “It’s about showing up for one another. Whether someone joins us to dine in, orders a homebound meal, volunteers, or donates, they’re helping make the season a little warmer for our neighbors.”

Wallingford Community Dinners will also be hosting a pasta dinner in February to support the community on a non-holiday. The in-person dinner is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 with a snow day of Feb. 28.

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.