Anyone looking for fellowship and holiday cheer this season are encouraged to be a part of an annual tradition in Jefferson.

The Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 is hosting the 59th Annual Christmas Day Dinner on Christmas Day at 4pm. Jefferson Elks Secretary Steve Smith says they serve between 120-150 at the lodge, while another 50-80 meals are delivered to home-bound individuals, 30-50 people choose the take-out option. He notes that the meal includes ham that is donated by Jefferson Fareway or turkey which is donated by Jefferson Hy-Vee, along with sides that are purchased by the Elks Lodge with mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casseroles, and dinner rolls; the Jefferson Does Drove #196 bakes 26 pumpkin pies for the cause.

Smith points out that the people that attend the meal in person at the lodge will also get to participate in bingo and win donated prizes, including Iowa State University Horticulture Department donated poinsettias, and poinsettias from Kreiger’s Greenhouse.  

Smith encourages anyone who wants to be part of the Christmas Day Dinner to contact the Elks Lodge by December 20th by calling 515-386-2106 and leave your name, number, the number of people that will be dining or number of take-out meals. For those wanting to have a meal delivered, they also need to leave their address.