No one should go without a hot meal on Christmas Day.
That is the thought and driving force behind the annual Jackson County Christmas Day Feast.
Organized by local business owners and Seymour City Councilmen Shawn Malone and Brian D’Arco, the event is now in its sixth year.
The meals are free and made possible through donations from individuals and corporate sponsors in the community.
“We get a large donation from Ranger Enterprises,” Malone said.
Last year, 1,038 meals were served.
The Pines Restaurant and Catering volunteers to cook the food, which includes ham and turkey, sides and a dessert.
It takes around 100 volunteers to package and deliver the meals to those in need, but Malone said there are always people willing to spend Christmas helping those less fortunate.
“‘Tis the season,” he said. “It’s what we are supposed to do. Love thy neighbor. We have enough food on our table, so we want to help share food with our community.”
Malone and D’Arco received help from Scott Jackson of Brownstown last year in handling orders from the western part of the county.
Jackson has now taken over coordinating deliveries to residents in Brownstown, Medora and Vallonia.
Anyone who needs a free Christmas Day meal or knows of someone in need can place an order by dialing 2-1-1 or 812-376-6666. Orders will be taken from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 21.
Callers will need to provide their name, address, telephone number, number of meals needed and whether they want turkey or ham.
“What we need is people to spread the word about the meals and about calling the 2-1-1 number to place an order,” Malone said. “Finding those who need the food is the most important thing people can help with.”
Delivery will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day in Jackson and Jennings counties. Carryout will be available from The Brooklyn Pizza Co., 753 W. Second St., Seymour.
Anyone wanting to help can call The Brooklyn Pizza Co. at 812-524-8888 or Bubba’s Place at 812-522-2818.
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To receive a free hot Christmas meal in Jackson County:
Call United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline or 812-376-6666 to sign up. Callers will need to provide their name, address, telephone number, number of meals needed and whether they want turkey or ham.
The deadline to sign up is Dec. 21.
Meals can be delivered or picked up at The Brooklyn Pizza Co., 753 W. Second St., Seymour, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day.
To sign up as a volunteer to package and deliver meals, call The Brooklyn Pizza Co. at 812-524-8888 or Bubba’s Place at 812-522-2818.
Monetary donations or donations of bottled water can be made at The Brooklyn Pizza Co. or Bubba’s Place, 402 S. Walnut St., Seymour.
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