For that reason, area churches, businesses, organizations and others have come together to organize a community Christmas dinner for anyone who wishes to attend.

“It’s open to anybody who doesn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Brian Szablewski, executive chef at the Grand Hotel, which is hosting the event.

The free meal will be served from 2 to 5 p.m. in the hotel convention center. Staff at the Grand are prepared to cook up 132 pounds of turkey, 130 pounds of ham and 110 pounds of potatoes to serve 350 people. There also will be gravy, stuffing, corn and lots of desserts.

An estimated 300 people attended the event in its first year in 2018. The dinner came together with the help of about 150 volunteers, said Jessica Ackerman, a committee member for this year’s dinner.

Submitted Photo Volunteers enjoy serving a Christmas dinner to community members who attended the 2018 event.

People can sign up to volunteer or can donate financially to the cause at minotcommunitymeal.org. Any excess donations will be banked for future community meals. All donations are tax deductible.

People also can go online to schedule a ride from one of the organizations providing shuttles to and from the meal. Or they can call or text 204-9399.

Volunteers help in a variety of ways. Decorators will be working from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and other volunteers will be filling in the two shifts between 1:30 and 5:15 p.m. Volunteers serve as greeters, dining room hosts, dishwasher, kitchen runners, servers, table attendants and clean-up crew members. There will be tables for check-in, coats, desserts, beverages, appetizers and gingerbread.

“There will be a gingerbread house decorating station that really is fun for kids and for adults,” Ackerman said.

Last year’s dessert potluck is being coordinated in advance this year, so dinner guests who wish to bring items are instead asked to consider pre-packaged treats, drink mixes or bakery store items that can be donated within the community.

Organizers are working to line up musicians to provide entertainment.

“So much credit goes to the Grand,” Ackerman said.

“This is a really big lift anyway for the community but to have a professional chef-prepared meal in a banquet facility is not only easier,” she said, “but it creates a beautiful venue and a really special experience for people.”

Szablewski said his cooking crew members will be volunteering their time, starting likely at about 8 a.m. and through the cleanup following the event.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community. It’s just to say thanks,” he said.

He added that preparing and serving food are what they enjoy doing. Using their skills to create a festive Christmas for members of the community who might not otherwise have much of a celebration makes the work that much more fun, he said.

Lindsay Kreger, who is employed with both the Grand and the Salvation Army, has been one of the organizers working behind the scenes at both last year’s and this year’s events. She called the dinner a gathering for everyone, but especially for those who “truly need Christmas.”

Ackerman said the meal is truly a community event, where people can find hospitality and inclusion.

For more information on participating in the event, visit the website or call 204-9959.