News

Bounty of Bethlehem returns, moving to new location

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 29, 2021

After restrictions made it impossible for Bounty to serve its annual Christmas dinner in 2020, we are happy to say it has returned. This year brings many changes including a new location. Safety protocols are calling the event to be a take-out only event.

Immaculata Catholic School graciously hosted this ecumenical event for almost all of the 38 years. They have been awarded a grant to create a STEM Lab for the school. This grant will remove the school’s commercial kitchen making it impossible to continue to serve as host.

"After searching for the right space, we were blessed to find the Salvation Army in Hendersonville, just a few blocks away to carry on our event," organizers said."

Captains Phillip and Sherrie Stokes along with the entire staff have welcomed the organizers and event with open arms.

“It just makes sense for us to help in this way and Bounty of Bethlehem seems to be a natural extension of our Christmas Assistance programs already in place," Sherrie said.

While the event may look different with take-out only, the heart remains. The mission of Bounty of Bethlehem has always been to be a meal for the community by the community. In order to serve as safely as we can, the sit-down portion of the meal has been eliminated. However, pairing down the sit-down aspect of the day will change some of the volunteers needed. “We still need volunteers”, says Joanne Mummert, volunteer coordinator for over 15 years. “The meal will still need to be prepared taking several days/hours and packaged for pick up.” Volunteer signup is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Volunteers are needed Dec. 19-26.

Since the mid-1980s Henderson County volunteers and supporters have come together to host the Community Christmas Dinner by Bounty of Bethlehem. for anyone and everyone to enjoy, no matter who they are, how they worship, or from where they come. All are welcome. Meals will be available for pick up only beginning at 12:30 and will be available until 4 p.m. or until they run out. Salvation Army is located at 239 Grove Street. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 742 Horse Shoe, NC 28742