The Upper Valley is a strong community that takes care of its own, and that generosity will be on full display on Christmas Day, when three free dinners take place.
“Sometimes it’s community people that might not have other people to share with,” said Bethanne Tillotson, co-chair of the Bradford, Vt., Community Christmas Dinner along with Kim Merrill. Others attend with family members.
“It’s a very broad range and people are coming from all over the area.”
Those who can’t make it to the Bradford United Church of Christ at 245 N. Main St., from noon to 2 p.m., can arrange to have a meal delivered. Takeout is also an option.
The volunteer-led effort serves about 300 meals a year. The menu includes turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, squash, coleslaw, cranberry sauce and turnips. Local farms contribute fresh produce and local businesses donate turkeys and hams.
“Then we have pie for dessert,” Tillotson said.
The meal was started about 28 years ago by Bradford residents Linda and Gary Moore. About 50 volunteers help out each year.
“It takes a village,” Tillotson said. “I think it’s just seeing the community come together. It’s a lot of fun and a great feeling.”
That sentiment was echoed by Leila Tarantelli, volunteer coordinator for the Lebanon Christmas Day Dinner which runs from 12:30 p.m. to about 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 2 Hough St. Like the Bradford dinner, meals will also be delivered.
“Between cookie bakers and meal delivery people and table servers … we get quite a few,” Tarantelli said of the more than 300 volunteers who contribute. “It’s a village effort.”
Last year more than 500 meals were served through delivery or at the sit-down meal at the church.
“We expect more this year,” Tarantelli said.
The dinner has been taking place for more than 30 years. “What’s amazing is that every year we have to look for 350 dozen cookies to be donated,” Tarantelli said.
Every year, the community pulls through.
The meal also includes turkey, stuffing, squash and potatoes. About 25 turkeys are made by volunteers.
“That’s 25 homes that are up at 2 a.m. cooking for us,” Tarantelli said. “There’s lots of dedication from lots of people.”
There also will be a meal from noon to 2 p.m. at Old South Church on Main Street in Windsor. Call 802-674-5087 for more information.
Editor’s note: To arrange a delivery from the Community Christmas Dinner in Bradford, call 802-222-4581 by Dec. 24. For more information about the meal, call 802-522-9271. In Lebanon, call 603-306-6943 to arrange a meal delivery or transportation to the church. Visit LebanonChristmasDayDinner.org or call 603-276-1306. Monetary donations will be accepted at both meals from those who wish to make one. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
