NORTHAMPTON — Organizers of the MANNA Soup Kitchen’s Christmas dinner are busy scouting out volunteers and preparing orders during the run-up to Dec. 25.

“Christmas is usually a little bit smaller than Thanksgiving,” said Ricki Carroll, who is helping organize the feast.

But still, the event’s success depends on volunteers signing up, she said. “It’s paramount,” Carroll said. “It’s very important because without the volunteers we don’t sleep.”

This year’s meal is in the Edwards Church fellowship hall, 297 Main St. Meal time is noon on Christmas and lasts until 2 p.m. or when the food runs out, according to a news release. Everyone is welcome and doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Carroll said volunteers will be serving potatoes, pork loin, apple sauce, salad, pumpkin pie and other desserts. Guests can also take food to-go in provided containers, according to the release.

If enough people sign up, organizers will do away with the buffet-style set up as they did on Thanksgiving. When guests are served at the same time, they finish their food at the same time, which encourages conversation, Carroll said.

“I’m hoping we can do it again like that,” she said.

To help with meal prep, dining room set up or to serve food, volunteers can sign up at 413-588-2333, or online.

Volunteers will also be delivering food to home-bound folks in Florence, Northampton, Leeds, Easthampton, Westhampton and Hatfield on Christmas Day, according to the release. To order, call 413-585-0209 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The deadline is Dec. 23.

Leave a name, street address, number of meals and a phone number.

]]>