Set for serve of Christmas

By Tania Martin
TECOMA Uniting Church is preparing for its 23rd annual Christmas Dinner in the Dandenongs, providing the local community with a free dinner on Christmas Day.
The first dinner was served in 1982 by three families and the tradition has continued each year since, providing for those people who have no family to share their Christmas cheer with.
Volunteer Shelley Beardshaw said up to 150 people will enjoy the dinner thanks to the efforts of volunteer cooks, waiters, and kitchen staff.
Families and local community members in the district also volunteer to cook to ensure the day is a success.
Ms Beardshaw said a lot of people in the community across the Dandenong Ranges are lonely on Christmas Day.
She said those who have no one to share Christmas with often have their feelings of solitude magnified by the joy that other people are in the company of friends and family.
“The dinner is for anyone who has no-one with whom they can share Christmas dinner.
“There is no charge for the meal and transport can be provided for guests who want to come,” she said.
The dinner includes the traditional chicken and ham with plum pudding and ice cream, Christmas cake, sweets, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.
Tecoma Uniting Church in conjunction with many other people from the community and organisations sponsor the event.
Christmas Dinner in the Dandenong starts at noon on Sunday, 25 December at the Tecoma Uniting Church hall, 1566 Burwood Highway.
Volunteers are welcome and they should contact Lorraine Baker on 9754 3732 or Mel Green on 9752 5248.