It’s more than just a meal — it’s a gathering.
On December 25th, Church Out Serving is once again inviting the community to come together for its free Christmas Day Community Meal at Riversyde 83, offering food, connection, and a sense of belonging during the holidays.
We spoke with Eric Haverkamp, Chair of the Board for Church Out Serving, about the popular event, which is now entering its sixth year.
Haverkamp says the event began six years ago as a small and unique gathering meant to bring people together on Christmas Day.
Six years later, it has grown well beyond that — now serving hundreds of community members each year.
To make sure there is enough food for everyone, attendees are asked to RSVP in advance.
While the meal itself is an important part of the day, Haverkamp says the true focus is on spreading cheer and making sure people feel welcomed and cared for on Christmas Day.
Preparing and serving a full Christmas dinner for an entire building takes significant time, effort, and resources.
Haverkamp says the event wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated team of volunteers and strong support from the local community.
Doors open at 11 a.m., with dinner being served at noon.
Community members are asked to RSVP by Monday, December 22nd.
To reserve a spot, you can email churchoutserving@gmail.com or call 519-428-1637.
