Christmas is coming this Tuesday, and for many locals the most enjoyable aspect of the day is taking part in the annual Perry Community Christmas Dinner.

The event is now in its 12th year, and co-founder Deb Miller says it’s exciting to see how much it’s grown over the years. She expects around 400 people to show up for the free meal, and has 50 volunteers ready to serve them. All the food has been donated by local businesses and organizations, and everyone is welcome to grab a plate with no questions asked. Miller emphasizes that the meal is free for all attendees, but says people are always welcome to donate money if they are so moved. Any proceeds will be given to the Perry Area Food Pantry.

Miller says she always looks forward to the Community Christmas Dinner, mostly because it brings out the best in everyone involved. “This is all about our community. It isn’t me, or (fellow co-founder) Larry Meacham, or anybody. Everybody donates to this, which is another way of saying how this is a community event. We’re all in this together, and we all put in our piece to the puzzle and that’s what makes this work. So yeah, come and eat with us! We’d love to have you, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”

The Perry Community Christmas Dinner will be held from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Perry Elks Lodge on Christmas Day. Miller adds, deliveries are available, and anyone interested is encouraged to call the Elks Lodge the day of the event at 515-465-3791. To learn more about the dinner, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.