Visitors enjoying free Christmas dinners provided by the Bandera Family and Community Alliance in 2022. This year they will be providing free meals from noon to 2 p.m. at the Norwich, Oxford, and Sidney American Legions. Deliveries will also be available, and can be ordered until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 21. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Bandera Family and Community Alliance is offering free Christmas dinners at the Norwich, Oxford, and Sidney American Legions on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25.

The menu this year includes turkey, ham, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy, cookies and desserts, cranberry sauce, applesauce, coffee, and tea.

Visitors are welcome to dine in or get food to go at all three locations from noon to 2 p.m., or order delivery. Delivery orders must be placed before 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 21 by calling the United Way Helpline at 211.

Last year the organization provided around 900 meals in Norwich, and this year they anticipate serving approximately 1,500 meals between the three locations. Any leftovers are given to a food pantry in Oxford and the Norwich, Oxford, and Sidney American Legions.

Bandera Family Representative Bill Bandera said the ability to provide so many free meals is made possible by volunteers that help out each year, as well as individuals, organizations, and businesses who provide in-kind or monetary donations.

In past years, he said support has been provided by the R.C. Smith Foundation, the Mead Foundation, Walmart, Price Chopper, Weiss, Gilligan's Island in Sherburne, Chobani, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, St. Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, and the Norwich American Legion.

"The communities are amazing. The people step up every year, and it just can’t be done if the communities don’t help out," said Bandera. "We get some really good volunteers."

Those who would like to sign up to volunteer can do so by visiting BanderaChristmas.com.