Church seeks donations for Christmas Eve dinner
In 1992, Niagara Worship Centre in Niagara Falls offered a free Christmas Eve dinner to anyone who would otherwise be alone for the holidays.
“It started as a desire to have dinner with people who are lonely on Christmas Eve,” said Pastor Tim Klassen.
About a dozen men enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
The Frederica Street church decided to make the dinner an annual event and opened it up to the lonely and less fortunate in the community.
The Christmas Eve community dinner and gift giveaway has grown substantially over the years.
Almost 500 people attended last year’s meal.
“People love it, it has become their annual Christmas tradition,” Klassen said. “They look forward to it every year.”
Klassen has been the pastor at the church for the past five years.
“I’m so happy to be a part of this,” he said. “It’s such a great way to reach out to the community and remind them that Christmas is about Christ.”
With the dinner less than four weeks away, the church is appealing to the public for help to make sure everyone who attends the 26th annual event will leave with a gift.
There is a dire need for gifts for adults and teenagers, said Sue Nadon, event co-ordinator.
Gift ideas include gift cards, toiletries, hats, mittens and scarves. The church will also accept financial donations.
A committee of congregation members start planning for the popular holiday event each September and an army of 100 volunteers help out on the day of the dinner. Additional volunteers are always welcome, Nadon said.
All of the food, which includes 32 turkeys, is donated.
“We do about 350 pounds of potatoes,” Nadon said.
The Christmas Eve dinner begins at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 24. Doors open at 4 p.m. In order to accommodate the large crowd, there will be two seatings and two services.
Complimentary bus transportation will be provided to and from the dinner at several locations throughout the city.
Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can call or text 905356-0635 or email office@niagaraworship.ca. For more information, visit www.niagaraworship.ca.