Deborah Gonzales ate some fried chicken and mashed potatoes on Friday with some friends and family as Christmas music played in the background.
Gonzales joined a couple hundred other people who attended a community luncheon at Club Prime Time on East Powell Street in the Dixie community. Gonzales ate her dinner with her husband, brother, and three children, ages 4, 3, and 1.
“It’s a nice, friendly atmosphere,” Gonzales said. “I actually ran into a few people I knew too.”
Anita Dawkins, who coordinated the event in its ninth year, said the event was sponsored by several local business owners and leaders, including Tunesia Rivers, Mark Warren, Tony Donaldson and Kalimah Thomas and Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz.
“Every year, five or six community leaders get together to sponsor the event. They said they wanted to do something to give back to the community,” Dawkins said. “We just need to be thankful that God has blessed us to be able to give back this year. The community just pulled together to help.”
Dawkins said Friday they likely surpassed last year’s number of people served, which was 720.
More than 200 space heaters, which were provided by Schmitz, were handed out to area residents after the free Christmas lunch.
Organizers also gave away 52 pairs of shoes, which Dawkins said were donated by Synergy gym through a discounted rate at Payless Shoes. Wiregrass Area United Way Food Bank donated hams, and Pepi Food Services donated some turkeys.
Gonzales said she heard about the Community luncheon from Mama Tina’s Mission House.
“I think it’s good. A lot of people can’t afford to have all this food,” Gonzales said. “It’s nice to feel the holiday spirit, and know somebody cares about you in the holidays.”
Christina King picked up a few dinner plates to go with her mother, and two young step children.
“It shows me people still do care, and reach out to help people,” King said.
King said she hoped to get a heater for her mother.
“It’s a blessing to us because we’re on a fixed income,” King said. “Some people can’t afford heaters. I’m trying to get a heater for her.”
Mary F. Reynolds, 78, waited patiently for one of the heaters after she enjoyed the Christmas dinner.
“I loved the lunch. The dressing was so delicious. I think it’s wonderful because so many people don’t have food to eat,” Reynolds said. “The heater will help keep me warm during the winter months.”
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