Christmas Friendship Dinner Is A Go!
Contributed by Justin Giles
Covid-19 is the Grinch that is trying to steal Christmas in 2020, but a modified Christmas Friendship Dinner is a go!
The Wasilla Christmas Friendship Dinner is a tradition that was started by Bob and Judy Bowers and a few close friends nearly 30 years ago. It has steadily grown into, we believe, the largest event of it's kind in the United States! This year, to keep everyone safe, we are holding a drive-thru at the Menard Sports Center. A completely free hot meal with turkey and all the fixings, and gift bags for the kiddos can be picked up without even leaving your car. We'll have lights and music, and are encouraging folks to decorate their cars if they'd like. Santa Claus should be on hand along with our pastoral staff to visit with families as well. For the truly home bound we have a limited delivery service that we expect to help around 500 Valley residents this year.
Normally we would have hundreds of volunteers helping, but due to Covid-19 we will only have a very small, carefully screened crew inside the Menard Center. These volunteers, from all walks of life, will be working hard preparing and packaging the nearly 2 tons of turkey, 800 pounds of carrots and mind-boggling amounts of other food. This amazing event is proof that your Valley neighbors care.
Our biggest need this year is volunteer home delivery drivers. If you're willing to help with our expected large home delivery load, please give us a ring at (907)354-6115.
In spite of the Grinch of 2020, the Christmas Friendship Dinner is a go! Please help spread the word, donate or volunteer if you're able, and come see us!
When: December 25th from 11am-3pm.
Where: Menard Sports Center, Wasilla. Drive-thru only, please remain in your cars.
What: Outdoor Drive-thru community party, free meal, music, gifts for kids and brotherly love.
The Christmas Friendship Dinner is the feelgood event of the year here in the Mat-Su. The event is far more than just the sum of it's considerable parts. Jesus taught to give to the poor, visit the lonely and love one another. You can do all three every Christmas at the Menard, and help shine a little light into a dark world. For more information, to request home delivery, or to donate or volunteer find Christmas Friendship Dinner on Facebook or call (907) 354-6115.