Community members to host annual Columbus Community Christmas Dinner

COLUMBUS - It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but some people don't have the means to celebrate it with others.

There are some folks in Columbus who are working to make sure everyone is having a Merry Christmas.

The 46th Annual Columbus Community Christmas Dinner will be next Wednesday.

Charles Rogers said he, his wife and friends have been hosting the dinner for all those years for those who might otherwise not be able to afford it, or spend it by themselves.

“To be alone or to not be able to afford to have dinner, you know, that would be tragic for Christmas,” Rogers said.

He said the Christmas tradition is very important to people and that the event is open to people of all faiths.

The dinner will happen at the Federated Church and is made possible by food and money donations from several local businesses and from Rogers' own grocery shopping.

But Rogers emphasizes they can only serve so many.

"We certainly can’t serve 600 people like the free Thanksgiving dinner that was in Columbus," he said.  "Our maximum is like 200.  It’s always been okay, you know, because we know the right amount of food for the people that are coming.  But last year, it got a little bit scary.  No place to sit and nothing to eat, I think.”

Which is why he wants to make sure their guests truly are those in need or have no one to celebrate with.

Anyone who wants to attend should call ahead of time at (402) 564-2812.