The Lawrence Community Christmas Dinner at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., is shown in this file photo from 2013.

Volunteers are preparing to serve up about 1,200 plates of traditional Christmas fare on Friday during Lawrence’s annual Community Christmas Dinner.

The free dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St. Diners are asked to use the church’s Vermont Street entrance.

Kent Ely, who has been helping to coordinate the dinner for the past 15 years, said most of the meals are delivered. Those seeking a meal delivery can call (785) 841-1516 after 6 a.m. Friday to place an order.

On the menu are all the staples, Ely said, including smoked turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls and pies.

Ely said organizers are still trying to get more pies for the meal. Pie donations can be dropped off at the church any time after 6 a.m. Friday.

The dinner is in its 22nd year.

Those who usually attend the meal represent “a good mix of Lawrence, Kansas,” Ely said.

“We have folks from the shelter and the streets that are there, and they can be sitting at a table — I’ve seen it — with a family that lives in Alvamar,” Ely said.”It’s a picture of Lawrence, Kansas.”

Regardless of need, anyone is welcome to attend the dinner.

“Some people, while they may not need the meal, they need or want that companionship, and that’s just as important as the meal itself,” Ely said.