For the past 32 years, the Cortez Community Christmas Dinner has provided community members with a hot, home-cooked meal on Christmas Day, and this year will be no different.
Organizers estimate that 500 people are provided a meal, candy cane and “connection around the table” every year at the Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez.
“No one is left out or forgotten and left hungry,” organizers say.
Jennifer Essery, who serves on the Community Christmas Dinner committee, noted that the main food for this year’s Christmas meal is ham, along with all the traditional sides.
The cost of the meal is covered by Hope’s Kitchen and leftover donations from previous years. Registration is not required to attend the meal, but those who wish to have a meal delivered to their home are asked to contact the team in charge of the Christmas meal to make arrangements before Christmas Day.
Essery said her first two years of involvement were through volunteering, but now she serves on the dinner committee. And to Essery, this is more than just a Christmas meal. She shared that she lives 1,000 miles from home and being part of the meal ensures she isn’t alone on Christmas Day.
Essery added that seeing the community come together is one of the most special parts of the meal.
Anyone who can’t volunteer, but who wants to give back to a good cause are welcome to donate.
“We are looking for businesses and individuals who wish to join in supporting this event. All donations are gratefully welcomed and go directly toward providing the meal,” organizers said.
Those who wish to donate can be sent to Onward! A Legacy Foundation at P.O. Box 26 in Cortez. All checks should include “Christmas Dinner” in the memo line.
Online donations can be made by visiting www.onwardfdn.fcsuite.com.
Volunteer opportunities are available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Contact Sheila Pendleton at sapen@outlook.com or (307) 705-6562.
Additional information is available from Pastor Kim Schultz, meal coordinator, at (970) 403-5646.
