News

Bounty of Bethlehem serves 2,200 dinners thanks to 600 volunteers

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 29, 2022

Bounty of Bethlehem once agsin made sure that everyone had an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a bountiful-delicious-all-the trimmings dinner on Christmas Day. 

Director Annamarie Jakubielski reported that a total of 2,200 enjoyed this free Christmas Dinner, thanks to the efforts of 600 volunteers including 265 on Christmas Day!  While many were return volunteers, a large group of new people joined the ranks this year for the first time. Meals on Wheels driver delivered 600 dinners to shut-ins and the elderly, while 1,300 people picked up their dinners and brought them home and 300 were served at the Salvation Army, which was decorated by a spirited group of volunteers. 

In its 39^th year, the Bounty of Bethlehem Christmas Dinner has become a wonderful, celebrated tradition in Henderson County. While many of the volunteers have been a part of this for years, each new Christmas brings new faces who want to help build, prepare, decorate, and serve the dinner.  They commit their time and energy to make sure no one is left out, no one goes hungry, and no one has to celebrate Christmas alone. This year, a small group of men took it upon themselves to specifically invite the homeless, as they passed out donated blankets and sleeping bags.  

A true community event, all of the food was donated by businesses and individuals.  Some brought homemade cookies and cakes, bakeries and stores donated turkeys and hams, while others contributed financially to make sure there was enough for everyone. The atmosphere was festive and warm, the live music lifting spirits, the inviting smell of roasted turkey everywhere, the true spirit of Christmas evident on the smiling faces of everyone, as they enjoyed the Bounty of Bethlehem.