By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Brittany Lang, coordinator of the annual Hays Community Christmas Dinner, has a vision.

“To provide an atmosphere where the community can be gathered together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, and that is celebrating the birth of Jesus,” she said.

“Often times during this time of year, it can become easy to get wrapped up in the ‘busy-ness’ of the Christmas season. The Christmas Dinner helps to put things back into perspective and provides a sense of peace in a friendly family atmosphere,” added Lang.

The sixth annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held Dec. 25 at the Hays VFW, 2106 Vine. According to Lang, the VFW donates the venue and the Sons of the VFW donate their time cooking the meal. Additional costs are paid by financial donations from the community.

Lang said it is solely donations and volunteers that have kept the Community Christmas Dinner a success. This year, volunteers are asked to provide desserts.

“The Community Christmas Dinner is not affiliated with any specific organization or church and everyone is welcome to attend,” Lang emphasized.

Last year about 625 people enjoyed the free meal served at the VFW and also available as takeouts and deliveries. The crowd was considerably larger than that in 2012 when 375 people participated.

A change will be made this year to accommodate the growing number of diners.

Two buffet dinners will be served–the first at 11:15 a.m. and the second at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Two serving lines will be set up for each dinner.

The first Hays Community Christmas Dinner was held at the Hays National Guard Armory, said Lang, with about 70 community members served.

To volunteer to help with the meal or to provide dessert, contact Brittany Lang at (785)-259-3766 or email her at [email protected].