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 the 27th annual Community Christmas Dinner are seeking volunteers and pies in advance of the Dec. 25 event, which will look different from past years because of the pandemic.

The free meals can be picked up at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., between noon and 2 p.m. on Christmas Day. No indoor dining option will be available. For those hoping to eat the meal on-site, outdoor tables and space heaters will be available, weather permitting.

Deb Engstrom, who is coordinating the event, said they are not taking any drop-in volunteers this year. Anyone hoping to help out is asked to sign up in advance on First United Methodist Church’s website or by calling Engstrom at 785-727-3790. Volunteer sign-ups will be available starting on Tuesday.

Engstrom also emphasized that those wanting a meal delivered to their home should pre-order one through a social service organization. If that is not a possibility, Engstrom said people wanting a delivery could call her after 6 a.m. on Christmas to request a delivery.

Typically the organizers of the Community Christmas Dinner seek turkey and ham donations, but this year they are asking only for pie donations. Those who would like to donate pies should drop them off at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St., between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The church will not be accepting meat donations this year because meat carving would require 30 volunteers standing elbow to elbow, Engstrom said. Instead, the church will purchase turkey breasts to eliminate the close contact. Because the church will be purchasing the meat, monetary donations will be gratefully accepted, Engstrom said.

Donations may be made by sending a check to First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044, with Christmas Dinner in the memo line. Donations may also be made online through the church’s website, fumclawrence.org. Click on “GIVE”, then click on “Donate” and select Christmas Dinner from the drop-down menu.