The Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 once again had a successful free Christmas Day Dinner. 

Elks Secretary Steve Smith tells Raccoon Valley Radio, they served about 200, which included 82 in-person, 41 home deliveries and 39 carryouts. Exalted Ruler Bill Beger says they believe there would’ve been more people, but due to the bad weather on Sunday, several stayed home.

Aside for Jefferson Hy-Vee donating 12 turkeys and Jefferson Fareway giving six hams toward the meal, the Jefferson DOES Drove #196 baked and donated 27 pumpkin pies. Berger notes that there were several poinsettia plants from Krieger’s Greenhouse that were used as table decorations, and later as bingo prizes, as that followed the meal.

Berger explains why they wanted to keep continuing to offer bingo for those who came for the meal.

“Well some of it, these people don’t sit at home, this gives them something to do, and there’s isn’t somebody out there that doesn’t love winning a prize or a poinsettia plant. Sometimes it takes a couple of hours to give away all of the prizes and stuff , so it’s been kind of fun.”   

The Iowa State University Horticulture Department donated 70 poinsettias as well. Other bingo donations came from the Printer’s Box, Fudge’s Flowers and Gifts, Addies, Sensibly Chic, and Country Blessings. Berger adds they donated about 24 poinsettias to the Greene County Medical Center and Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Jefferson for their patients. He thanks the community, businesses, volunteers and organizations that supported this year’s free Christmas Day Dinner.