Muncie Mission To Host Free Christmas Dinner on December 17th

Muncie Mission Ministries. Photo provided.Muncie Mission Ministries. Photo provided.

By: Frank Baldwin—

Muncie, IN—The 87th annual Muncie Mission free Christmas dinner for residents and community guests will be Sunday, December 17th.  A Christmas celebration service will begin at 11:30 a.m., dinner will follow at 12-noon.  Everyone is welcome.

Last year, 200 Christmas dinners were served at the mission for residents and guests by staff and volunteers.  Additionally, 225 meals were delivered by volunteers to those homebound in Muncie.

“Everyone should be able to experience Christmas dinner, but for many that is not an option. It is our honor to be able to provide Christmas dinner for any person who needs a meal, and hope this Christmas season. In addition to the Christmas meal we serve residents three meals daily, year round, and Monday-Friday the Mission opens its doors to neighborhood guests for lunch. Last year we prepared and served over 84,205 meals.” said Frank Baldwin, Executive Director, Muncie Mission.

Christmas dinner items needed include; homemade pies, pats of butter, dinner rolls, fresh fruit (apples, bananas and oranges),baby carrots and coffee.

A Christmas party for the Mission residents only will also take place on December 22nd.

“For many of our residents, the Mission becomes their family. This is their only Christmas gathering, and a chance to celebrate a holiday that can otherwise be hard for them.” said Baldwin. Numerous volunteers become “wish list” sponsors.  Each sponsor receives a resident name and his Christmas wish list with three hopeful items.  During the party those items are given to residents, “what a special time,” said Baldwin.

There is a special need for heavy winter gloves in all sizes, as well as ongoing daily needs including men’s underwear and white t-shirts, unopened packages only.  Hygiene items, specifically shampoo, razors and deodorant are always appreciated.

All donations need to be delivered to the Mission’s administration office, 1725 S. Liberty Street, between 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m, Monday-Friday. Food items for the Christmas dinner need to be delivered to the Mission by 12/14.  Residents especially like Christmas cookies and candy for the party.  All Items for the men’s party are needed by 12/20.  Monetary gifts may be dropped off or mailed to the same address.