32nd Annual Free Christmas Dinner To Be Served Monday

WAITE PARK -- It's been a local Christmas tradition for over three decades. Boy Scout Troop 20 will serve their 32nd annual Christmas Dinner on Monday.

Joe Cordie is the man who started it all. He says the first year they served about 200 dinners. This year they are expecting over 800 people to dine with them.

Cordie says the meal is just a way for people who are alone on the holiday to gather with others.

To share company with somebody.  I think that's the most important part.  Being able to come to a location, sit, and enjoy a wonderful meal but also to share memories or stories.

Cordie says prep work for the meal is going on all this week. They'll be serving turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, and all the other fixings.

The dinner will be served from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Day at St. Joseph Church on 7th Avenue North in Waite Park.

If you can't make it to the church on your own volunteers will come pick you up. Or, they will also deliver the meals to you.  Cordie says they have volunteers driving eight vans picking up people and bringing them to the dinner.  About 75 volunteers will be helping out on Monday.

They ask that you call at let them know you'd like a meal at 380-3794.

The meal is free, but donations are accepted.