Two local groups are searching for Christmas day volunteers to help serve meals.

The annual Community Dinner, previously called Up All Night, will need volunteers to help cook on Christmas Eve and serve meals Christmas Day. 

“We are going to do the same thing we do for Thanksgiving,” Coordinator Jimmy Edwards said. “We are going to have turkey, green beans, macaroni cheese, dinner rolls and cake.”   

Edwards said they will serve and deliver meals Christmas day starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Cannon Street School and continue until the food runs out. 

“We still need turkeys, mac and cheese and desserts donated,” Edwards said. 

Food donations can be dropped off at Lake-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home, located at 201 Hamilton Street in LaGrange. Those looking to volunteer can call Edwards at (706) 443-8961.

“This is just a need around the holidays, and most people who face hunger don’t get a decent meal on Christmas, so we try to fill the gap,” Edwards said. 

“Meals on Wheels can’t do holidays, so they asked me to take it on and of course I said yes.” 

Edwards added that volunteers can stay as long as they can or want to.

 There are no specified shifts. 

Ark Refuge Ministries is also serving a meal and looking for volunteers Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its location at 504 East Depot Street in LaGrange. 

“There are no requirements to serve or eat, just show up,” said Program Director Christopher Smith. 

Smith said Ark is also giving toys away children ages adolescent up to 14 years old.

“It is very important to give back to what God has given unto us,” Smith said. 

Ark Refuge will be serving a turkey dinner as well with mashed potatoes and green beans. 

“For those looking to volunteer, they can just come when we start and begin to serve plates and help deliver,” Smith said. 

For more information on how to volunteer or about the meal, call Ark Refuge at (706) 845-0335.