For the past decade, a Vernon group has been making sure no one is alone on Christmas.
Organizer Ron Birch said that he and some friends came up with the idea over coffee 10 years ago.
“We just thought this might be a good way to give back to the community. Initially, we thought it was going to be lots of homeless people but it was mostly people who were just lonely or new to town. It can be a really hard time of year.”
Related: More than 300 celebrate at community Christmas dinner in Vernon
Related: Together for Christmas dinner served
On Saturday, Dec. 1, the team kicked off the holiday season by hosting a baking bee at St. James School in Vernon.
Birch said that the first year, they fed about 125 people but throughout the years, the number has only grown. Last year, Birch said there were about 375 people who came together for Christmas.
“It’s pretty cool to see and so we’re just prepping and doing the baking today because I’m sure there will be lots of people again this year,” he said. “I also want to say a big thank you to the community for all their support for the last ten years and we’ll keep this going as long as the need and want is there.”
Together for Christmas is the only dinner offered in Vernon on Dec. 25. Doors open at 2 p.m. and dinner is held at 4 p.m. at St. James School. Transportation is also available upon request.
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