By JOHN SIMMONDS
Hays Post

The public is invited to a free holiday meal.  The 5th Annual Community Christmas Dinner is being held on Christmas Day, December 25th, at the VFW in Hays, located at 22nd & Vine.  Dinner coordinator Brittany Lang told Hays Post the meal will begin at 12:30.  She said the dinner is paid for each year by donations received at the previous year’s meal and is put on with the help of numerous volunteers.

Last year, around 375 people were served.  This year they are prepared to serve at least 450 meals. Volunteers assist with cooking, serving, preparing deserts such as pie, cookies and fruit salads, and delivering meals to those who aren’t able to attend.

Lang said the meal is free to everyone regardless of their background or their beliefs, though there will be a living nativity at the event.

“The purpose of the dinner is to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus,” Lang said. “But it’s also to bring the community together so they can have a Christmas meal.”

Anyone wishing to have a meal delivered, to volunteer serving the dinner, or volunteer to provide a dessert can call Brittany Lang (785)-259-3766 or email [email protected].

“Thank you to the VFW for allowing us to hold this event there, and also for giving their time and preparing the meal for us.  They give a lot of their Christmas day to help out with this,” Lang added.  “Also, thank you to the volunteers because without them, this dinner wouldn’t be possible.”