An annual Christmas tradition in Lawrence is in need of donations.

Organizers of the Community Christmas Dinner are seeking turkeys and hams to help feed up to 800 people Christmas Day in the basement of First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt.

As of Thursday evening, the organizing committee had only about 20 turkeys and hams. They need about four times that amount to put on the meal.

“I’m not scared yet, but I’m getting there,” said Kent Ely, one of the event’s organizers. “I know the community is going to come through.”

Community volunteers have been putting on the meal for 13 years. This year food will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. Meals also will be delivered to the homebound.

“It’s a time of giving,” Ely said. “Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to have that Christmas feast that you and I get to have every year. It’s just part of giving back to the community.”

To make a donation, contact Ely at (785) 760-2943 or kwely@aol.com.