Bandera Family returns to spread Christmas cheer
(Photo by Zachary Meseck)
NORWICH – The Bandera Family Christmas Dinner is returning to Norwich for the second time, and with 1,200 meals planned for area residents. The organization is seeking volunteers to help make this year another success.
According to Bandera family representative Bill Bandera, in 1989 his family wanted to do something to show their community that they cared, and at that time the Christmas dinner concept was born.
Bandera said since 1989, the Bandera Family and Community Alliance has served a Christmas dinner in Binghamton, free and open to anyone in need of a meal or company for the holiday, with the organization expanding to Norwich last year. Bandera added that last year the organization served 3,500 meals on Christmas Day.
He said this year the event will return to Norwich, with free delivery options available as well as a sit-down location from 1 to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, at American Legion Post 189 for residents of Chenango County. He added that next year they hope to expand to the Oneonta area as well.
“This isn’t just about the people you serve, it’s also about you,” said Bandera. “Everyone matters, you’re just showing the people that they matter to the community as well.”
“The food is just a vehicle to fuel social interaction, and our service is a form of love that never fails.”
Everyone at the event gets a meal, volunteers and attendees alike, he said.
“My dad passed away in 2009, and at that point I thought this was over,” said Bandera. “Then I realized that it wasn’t the end, it was a new beginning.”
“The community here is amazing; it’s so cool and refreshing to come to a place like this and have the overwhelming amount of support that we did last year.”
He said this year he hopes to help even more people in the area, with the help of local volunteers.
“It’s a two week long process in Binghamton, and it’s five times the amount of food with less volunteers then we had here,” he added. “I’m going to increase the amount of meals we’re planning for this year to 1,200 instead of the 1,000 we did last year.”
“In the end, this is all about reaching as many families as we can.”
Those who are interested in volunteering for the event may visit banderachristmas.com/ or call (607) 231-0706 for more information.
Bandera said the organization will also accept used or new toys as additional gifts for local children as part of the event.
According to Bandera family representative Bill Bandera, in 1989 his family wanted to do something to show their community that they cared, and at that time the Christmas dinner concept was born.
Bandera said since 1989, the Bandera Family and Community Alliance has served a Christmas dinner in Binghamton, free and open to anyone in need of a meal or company for the holiday, with the organization expanding to Norwich last year. Bandera added that last year the organization served 3,500 meals on Christmas Day.
He said this year the event will return to Norwich, with free delivery options available as well as a sit-down location from 1 to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, at American Legion Post 189 for residents of Chenango County. He added that next year they hope to expand to the Oneonta area as well.
“This isn’t just about the people you serve, it’s also about you,” said Bandera. “Everyone matters, you’re just showing the people that they matter to the community as well.”
“The food is just a vehicle to fuel social interaction, and our service is a form of love that never fails.”
Everyone at the event gets a meal, volunteers and attendees alike, he said.
“My dad passed away in 2009, and at that point I thought this was over,” said Bandera. “Then I realized that it wasn’t the end, it was a new beginning.”
“The community here is amazing; it’s so cool and refreshing to come to a place like this and have the overwhelming amount of support that we did last year.”
He said this year he hopes to help even more people in the area, with the help of local volunteers.
“It’s a two week long process in Binghamton, and it’s five times the amount of food with less volunteers then we had here,” he added. “I’m going to increase the amount of meals we’re planning for this year to 1,200 instead of the 1,000 we did last year.”
“In the end, this is all about reaching as many families as we can.”
Those who are interested in volunteering for the event may visit banderachristmas.com/ or call (607) 231-0706 for more information.
Bandera said the organization will also accept used or new toys as additional gifts for local children as part of the event.
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