The Gettysburg Community Dinner Thanksgiving event, which had originally been planned for 12 families, eventually grew to serve 1,065 meals, with only a couple of weeks’ preparation. Many families asked if there would be a Christmas dinner to follow, which prompted Stephanie Auer, the originator of the community dinner events, to immediately jump into gear and plan for another miracle event, with nary a few weeks of preparation. However, this close to Christmas, it is harder to find volunteers to help with preparing the meals prior to the event. Many volunteers have stepped up to serve meals on the day of the event, but the team is still in desperate need of more food donations and helping hands for food preparation on Sunday, December 21st and Monday, December 22nd.
The Christmas event will take place Tuesday, December 23rd at The Herr Ridge Farm in Gettysburg, 900 Chambersburg Road. Volunteers are in overdrive to organize the event, which will again serve meals for community members in need, and folks who are lonely or have nowhere to go this Christmas. Again, the meals will be served in three shifts: 11am-1pm, 2-4pm, and 5-7pm, and offer takeout any time during the day. There will be entertainment again, Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, and toys for the children.
For this upcoming event, prior registration is required to ensure adequate space, food, and gifts for the kids. To RSVP, volunteer or make a donation, please email: steph.community.dinners@gmail.com, or send a text to Stephanie at 717-420-3036, by Saturday, December 20th. The team is grateful for this wonderful community who always seems to step up when there is a need.
The enormous, unexpected success of the Thanksgiving event could not have happened, if it had not been for the many volunteers, donors and organizations who provided space, food, and other donations. Dozens of volunteers stepped up and lent their time to chop, peel, cook, bake, wrap gifts for several days, and serve or perform on the day of the event. Camp Nawakwa lent their kitchen facilities for several days to the volunteer team; Days Inn and Hilton Garden Inn provided the space for the event. Another expression of thanks for all donors and volunteers who helped with the last event is depicted below.
