Reservations are requested by Thursday, Dec. 22, for Christmas dinner at the Elks lodge in Jefferson. The Elks have a 52 year tradition of preparing and serving a traditional Christmas meal to those individuals and couples who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.
Elks members, their spouses, children, and grandchildren will donate time from their Christmas Day to prepare and serve this free Christmas meal.
The menu includes turkey, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, rolls, and the traditional pumpkin pie.
The Lodge will open to the public at 3 pm with the meal served at 4 pm. Bingo will follow the meal. There is no charge. Reservations for the meal, carry-outs and delivery are requested to help in preparing the meal. Reservations should be made by Thursday, Dec. 22, by calling the Lodge at 515-386-2106. If there is no personal answer, please leave a detailed message and a call back number.
The Christmas Day Dinner tradition was started in 1965. Over the years, it expanded to include transportation to and from the Lodge, delivery to homebound individuals and couples, and carry-outs. In the first years the Jefferson Elks served 50 to 60 individuals. This community service has grown to more than250 meals served in the past three years. In the 1970’s, playing Bingo following the meal was started. Prizes were furnished by local florists. Later, flowers were also donated by the local high school horticulture class and Iowa State University.
