COLUMBUS — St. Peter’s Lutheran Church will host the free, annual Community Christmas Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 719 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus.
And Come As You Are Ministries at 2002 Ohio St. in Columbus is serving a free soup and chili supper at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.
St. Peter’s presents the meal with the help of Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center and support from the Custer-Nugent Foundation, according to organizers. A total of 437 people of all ages ate at the gathering last year, said volunteer coordinator Donna Smith.
Organizers regularly emphasize that the meal is not based on financial need, and is meant for anyone needing a place to go to share the holiday meal and trimmings. No reservations are needed.
“It’s important that people with no place to go have a warm, nurturing, environment where they can enjoy a wholesome meal to celebrate the holiday so that folks don’t have to be by themselves,” said Diane Doup of Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center.
Come As You Are Ministries has been serving a once-per-month fourth-Wednesday homemade meal for the needy for about 15 months, according to pastor Rob Hurt. It has attracted about 100 to 140 people, he said. No reservations are needed.
About 25 volunteers will be on hand for the supper, Hurt said. The local Mariah Foods has provided meats for items such as brats and burgers in the past.
Plus, Hurt added that the church regularly has been providing clothing ranging from coats and hats to other items for the needy.
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- 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. — St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 Fifth St. in Columbus. Christmas meal with the trimmings. Use back entrance by the flagpole.
- 6:15 p.m. — Come As You Are Ministries, 2002 Ohio St. in Columbus. Soup and chili supper.
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