From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 25, 1987:

Christmas Day dawned in Lawrence as many local residents celebrated, each in his or her own way. Those wanting a white Christmas in the grand Bing Crosby tradition were not disappointed, as a daytime snowfall topped Lawrence with an inch and a half of snow. Cooks at the Douglas County Jail were getting ready to serve three Christmas turkeys to the 23 inmates in the jail. The menu for the holiday meal included turkey with mashed potatoes and dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberries, hot rolls and butter, green beans, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, spiced apple rings, milk, and coffee, according to David Hurwitz, one of the cooks. At the Flamingo Club, preparations were in high gear for today’s big dinner of barbecue pork, ham, pies, cobblers, and other treats. About 50 to 75 volunteers were expected to show up today to serve the meal to the hundreds of people who were expected to attend. More than 500 people had enjoyed the free meal the previous year, with 200 more dinners delivered to people who were unable to come to the club. “We get people from all walks of life,” said Bob Snow, an organizer of the dinner. “You can still have a million dollars and be welcome. If you’re lonely, come on out.” The Rev. Vince Krische at the St. Lawrence Campus Center had spoken to Kansas University faculty and students at Mass the previous evening, focusing his message on reconciliation — the No. 1 priority for the world today, he said, quoting Pope John Paul II. Krische had also spoken with a reporter about the Flamingo Club dinner, saying that it was “part of that prevailing spirit” of Christmas and that people should not feel uncomfortable about the club participating in the spirit of giving. “Jesus felt comfortable with everyone,” Krische said. “He was always asking them to change their ways. But he never felt uncomfortable with anyone, except for the self-righteous people.”