Bandera Family Christmas Dinner accepting sign-ups December 1
(Photo by Zachary Meseck)
CHENANGO COUNTY – This year’s Bandera Family Christmas Dinner is going to be different from years past due to the coronavirus, but representatives said they’re still expecting to serve around 1,200 meals during the holidays.
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.
He said this year’s meal will include turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, corn, along with a goody bag of sweets and chips.
Bandera said the Christmas dinner provides individuals with up to eight meals with no questions asked, and that anyone who needs a meal can call to sign up.
“We are definitely going to have the dinner this year,” said Bandera. “The only real change that we’re making is that there will be no sit down dinner this year due to COVID restrictions.”
“There will also be significantly more meal deliveries and meal pickups.”
He said for the past two years there has been a sitdown dinner where families or individuals can come in and sit down with others on Christmas. He added that while that portion of the meal will be missed, he is happy that they’re still able to help people during these challenging times.
“What I’ve heard is that people’s ability to put food on their tables right now has become more difficult, but I don’t really know how that will translate into the number of meals ordered this year,” said Bandera. “We’re going to provide a really good meal for a day, so we’re hoping that we will be helping some people in need.”
Bandera said it’s important that people sign up as early as possible for the meals so event organizers are able to plan out how many meals they should make.
He said that they’re expecting around the same amount of meals served as last year, approximately 1,200, even though about 300 meals were delivered.
“If it’s higher, that’s okay, we can adjust for that,” he added. “We just need people to start ordering on December 1 so we know.”
Bandera said people can order by calling the United Way hotline 211 and providing them with information. He said orders can be accepted as soon as December 1, and phone based ordering will close on December 23.
He added that the meals will be delivered on Christmas Day, generally before noon.
“Deliveries start around 10 a.m., and for the past two years everyone has had their meals by 11:30 a.m.,” said Bandera. “People can call (607) 231-0706 if they have any questions, or visit our website at banderachristmas.com.”
Individuals interested in volunteering for the event may also reach out via phone, the website, or on Facebook at The Bandera Family And Community Alliance, Inc.
Bandera thanked everyone for their support, and said American Legion Post 189 continues to help make the event possible each year.
“Pickups will be available, and they will be at Post 189, but that’s all I can tell you at this point,” he said. “We’re extremely grateful for their help each year.”
He added that while they wanted to expand into the Oneonta area as well, the coronavirus has forced them to postpone the expansion until next year.
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.
He said this year’s meal will include turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, corn, along with a goody bag of sweets and chips.
Bandera said the Christmas dinner provides individuals with up to eight meals with no questions asked, and that anyone who needs a meal can call to sign up.
“We are definitely going to have the dinner this year,” said Bandera. “The only real change that we’re making is that there will be no sit down dinner this year due to COVID restrictions.”
“There will also be significantly more meal deliveries and meal pickups.”
He said for the past two years there has been a sitdown dinner where families or individuals can come in and sit down with others on Christmas. He added that while that portion of the meal will be missed, he is happy that they’re still able to help people during these challenging times.
“What I’ve heard is that people’s ability to put food on their tables right now has become more difficult, but I don’t really know how that will translate into the number of meals ordered this year,” said Bandera. “We’re going to provide a really good meal for a day, so we’re hoping that we will be helping some people in need.”
Bandera said it’s important that people sign up as early as possible for the meals so event organizers are able to plan out how many meals they should make.
He said that they’re expecting around the same amount of meals served as last year, approximately 1,200, even though about 300 meals were delivered.
“If it’s higher, that’s okay, we can adjust for that,” he added. “We just need people to start ordering on December 1 so we know.”
Bandera said people can order by calling the United Way hotline 211 and providing them with information. He said orders can be accepted as soon as December 1, and phone based ordering will close on December 23.
He added that the meals will be delivered on Christmas Day, generally before noon.
“Deliveries start around 10 a.m., and for the past two years everyone has had their meals by 11:30 a.m.,” said Bandera. “People can call (607) 231-0706 if they have any questions, or visit our website at banderachristmas.com.”
Individuals interested in volunteering for the event may also reach out via phone, the website, or on Facebook at The Bandera Family And Community Alliance, Inc.
Bandera thanked everyone for their support, and said American Legion Post 189 continues to help make the event possible each year.
“Pickups will be available, and they will be at Post 189, but that’s all I can tell you at this point,” he said. “We’re extremely grateful for their help each year.”
He added that while they wanted to expand into the Oneonta area as well, the coronavirus has forced them to postpone the expansion until next year.
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