photo by: Sara Shepherd

From left, Kim Heck, of Lawrence, Mary Kate McWhirter, of Wichita, Tanya Pinegar, of Lawrence, and Josh and Shannon King, of Baldwin City, scoop food into to-go boxes at the Lawrence Community Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St. Volunteers delivered hundreds of meals throughout the community and served hundreds more people at the church.

Organizers of Lawrence’s annual Community Christmas Dinner are seeking donations of food and volunteers for this year’s event.

The 26th annual dinner, which is free and open to the public, will take place at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 25. Meals can also be delivered to people who are unable to attend.

Organizers said 60 turkeys and 40 hams are needed. Donations may be dropped off between noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at the church. Pies are also needed and can be donated at the church after 6 a.m. Christmas Day. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

If you are interested in donating or volunteering, call Deb Engstrom at 785-727-3790 after 3 p.m. on weekdays.