BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — The Bandera Family Christmas Dinner is returning for the 35th year, but this year is more than a yearly milestone.
15 weeks ago, the President of the Bandera Family and Community Alliance, Bill Bandera, suffered a stroke. He didn’t know if he would be at this year’s dinner.
Bandera is now healthy and firing up the turkey roasters and ovens for cookies, something he said he is lucky to experience.
“Ya know, 15 weeks ago when I didn’t know anything, let alone if I was going to be a part of this dinner, it makes you reflect,” Bandera said. “And what I like about this dinner is every year we get to reflect on our lives and what we do and how we help people.”
Bandera explained that with the help of volunteers and support from the community, they can have six locations again this year.
“I guess there is something to say about longevity and commitment, but really at the end of the day it goes back to the community and its the community that helps me put on this dinner every year,” Bandera added.
You can visit any of the locations from noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 25 to enjoy a free Christmas meal. For more information, use this link.
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