Cedar Rapids churches to host free Christmas Day meal

CEDAR RAPIDS — For the 30th year, a free Christmas Day meal is being served up in Cedar Rapids thanks to two churches.

The dinner takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4700 Johnson Ave. NW, and St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1340 Third Ave. SE.

'It's our 30th anniversary, so it's kind of a big deal,' said Sandy Ashley, a member of St. Mark's who helps put on the annual meal. 'When we got started, there was a fellow who felt there were a number of people in the community who had no place to go on Christmas, they had no family in the area or maybe they just didn't have the means to make a Christmas dinner for themselves.'

The event has been going strong ever since. The last couple years, about 300 people have attended.

'It's open to the community,' said Ashley, adding she's been involved for several years.

'At first, I thought, 'why wouldn't you spend the day with your family,' but then you realize how many people don't have family or places to go,' she said.

Ashley said the meal is pretty traditional with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans and other sides. This year, instead of the traditional pies for dessert, a 30th anniversary cake is to be served.

The churches donate the money for the meals and church members help prepare and serve the food.

Ashley said sometimes during the event, she'll see other members of the church she's never met because they attend a different service. She also meets folks who are not members of the church, but have come to volunteer. She said anyone who would like to volunteer should call the United Way at (319) 739-4211.

On Christmas Day, church members also deliver meals to those who request them and can provide rides to the meal sites.

Those wishing to have a meal delivered or receive a ride are asked to call the United Way of East Central Iowa's 211 service line in advance. Those calling from landlines can simply dial 211. Those on cellphones should call (319) 739-4211.

'United Way relays the information to church members and other volunteers doing the driving and deliveries,' said Ashley.

She hopes the meals provide comfort during the holiday season.

'Hopefully, there is a sense of community and letting people know there is someone in their corner for them; that they know Cedar Rapids is a great community where it doesn't matter who you are and what your circumstances are,' Ashley said. 'There are no strings attached. You can count on us.'