photo by: Mike Yoder

Volunteer Karen Seibel, left, adds gravy to some turkey on a plate for Kenne Peters, right, at the Community Christmas Dinner, Monday Dec. 25, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St.

Organizers of Lawrence’s free community meal on Christmas Day are seeking turkeys, pies and volunteers for the event.

The annual Community Christmas Dinner will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 25 at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St.

Organizers will collect 12- to 15-pound frozen turkeys at Corpus Christi Catholic Church from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 16. Anyone able to donate a turkey is asked to call Deb Engstrom at (785) 727-3790 or email engstromdeb5550@gmail.com.

Lots of pies are also needed. Pies of any sort can be brought to First United Methodist Church any time after 6 a.m. on Christmas Day. To make other arrangements to get the pies delivered or to have them picked up, contact Engstrom.

Meals will be delivered as usual. Anyone who has not preordered a meal can request delivery by calling (785) 841-1516 after 6 a.m. on Christmas Day. Monetary contributions are also accepted as funds are needed to offset additional costs related to the meal. Donations may be made via a check to First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044. The check should be made out to First United Methodist Church with Christmas Dinner in the memo line. An electronic donation option will also be available on the FUMC website, www.fumclawrence.org.

To volunteer, sign up on the FUMC website. Volunteer signups will be available beginning Dec. 8.