WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Listen Community Services will hold its Holiday Dinner on Christmas Eve this year.
The in-person gathering is scheduled to take place Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Listen Community Dining Hall, located at 42 Maple St. in White River Junction. People do not need to register ahead of time. Takeout meals will also available, but delivery will not.
Last year, the holiday meal took place on Christmas Day and about 100 people showed up, said Heather Griffin, Listen’s programs director.
Afterward, however, staff heard from people who wanted to attend but couldn’t because they didn’t have a way to get to the dining hall.
Many people rely on Advance Transit buses to get to the dining hall and staff decided to switch the meal to Christmas Eve because the transportation service operates that day. Advance Transit buses do not run on Christmas Day.
This year, Listen expects turnout will be between 150 to 200 people. All volunteer slots have already been filled, Griffin said.
The menu will include ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mixed vegetables, rolls and dessert, Griffin said. Guests will also receive a bag of cookies made by volunteers.
Listen’s food pantry, located at 60 Hanover St. in Lebanon, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas, Griffin noted.
Those with questions about the Holiday Dinner can call 603-448-4553.
Dining and Cooking