News

Free Christmas meals available around diocese

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

ALLOUEZ -- Christmas is here. It's the time when we turn to family and friends for holiday gatherings. In that community spirit, several groups are reaching out to all who will be alone this Christmas or unable to cook a true holiday meal.

Free Christmas meals will be offered, on Dec. 25, at the following locations.

ANTIGO: Fifth annual Christmas celebration, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 535 Center St., Antigo. Dinner served, with all the trimmings, and local entertainment. Make reservation by Dec. 20 by calling (715) 623-4134.

APPLETON: The We Care Meals Program will host a free meal at the Appleton Moose Lodge #367, 1216 E. Wisconsin Ave. Serving is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No need for reservations. For delivery (for shut-ins only) or to volunteer, call Ed Rathsack at (920) 731-7867 by Dec. 21 and leave a message. Someone will call back. Volunteers are needed to deliver and serve meals, and for clean-up. Monetary donations can be sent to We Care Meals, c/o Goodwill Industries, 1800 Appleton Rd., Menasha, WI 54952, attn. Jackie Draws.

GREEN BAY: Bethel Baptist Church, 1601 Libal St., will hold its 15th annual Christmas dinner. The event starts with worship service at 11:30 a.m., followed by snacks and fellowship. Dinner is at noon. For reservations, rides or home deliveries, call Rick or Deb Schuette at (920) 494-7661 by Dec. 21. To make donations, call coordinators Gary and Julie Drzewiecki at (920) 822-3909.

MANITOWOC: The ninth annual Community Christmas noon meal will be held at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 2201 S. 42nd St. Reservations by Dec. 21. Call the church at (920) 684-7208 for reservations or deliveries for the homebound. Donations welcomed.

MARION: St. John Lutheran Church, 318 E. Garfield St., will have turkey dinner at 12:30 p.m. Home deliveries (in Marion only) and take-outs available. Reservations, by Dec. 21, are appreciated. Call Kay Gray at (715) 754-2012 or Grace Judds at (715) 754-2992. Volunteers are welcome.

OSHKOSH: Fr. Carr's Place 2B, 1965 Oshkosh Ave., will host its 34th annual Christmas meal at noon and 5 p.m. at the Mother Teresa Center. Meals delivered to shut-ins at noon.

Volunteer drivers needed, as well as donations of canned hams, potato flakes, salads and desserts. Call (920) 231-2378 to arrange deliveries or make donations. No reservations needed. Volunteer drivers should come to the Place 2B at 10 a.m.

WAUTOMA: Crossroads Family Church, 640 S. Water St., will offer a Community Christmas Dinner starting with snacks at 11:30 a.m. The meal will be at noon. Reservations appreciated by Dec. 21. Volunteers and food donations also welcome. Call Roxanne Wagner at (920) 290-1760.