Smith says cooks, decorators, food servers, and clean-up crew needed for Spirit of Christmas Dinner

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said The Spirit of Christmas Dinner has become so popular that the need for volunteers and donations is greater than ever.

The annual holiday feast feeds more than 600 people with each person getting a special gift.

The dinner is held on Christmas Day, from 1-4 p.m. The free dinner will return to the Genesis Convention Center, 1 Genesis Center Plaza, in Gary for the third year.

Dr. Smith said volunteers and those making financial donations may call him at 219-887-2046. Reservations are not required for the dinner, but are appreciated in order to facilitate preparations for the event. Reservations may be made by calling that same number, 219-887-2046.

The Spirit of Christmas Dinner is held for residents of Gary, Merrillville, Griffith, New Chicago, Lake Station, and Hobart. However, Dr. Smith said all Lake County residents are welcome as are people who live elsewhere. The dinner is intended as an event for the poor and hungry, senior citizens, and those who will be away from family and friends.

Dr. Smith hosts the dinner with Joyce Washington-Price, Dwight Williams and Robin Bernal. The event is held in memory and honor of Dr. Smith’s mother, the Rev. Julia E. Smith, who served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and Patricia Tillotson, a former educator in the Gary School Corporation. This is the 26th anniversary of Rev. Smith’s passing. Ms. Tillotson died in 1997.