A small group of people have organized a Christmas Day dinner for a large holiday gathering. Dec. 25, a four-person group will make the day a little more special by hosting a community dinner at the Boothbay American Legion Hall. 

Barb House along with Pastor Glen Carter, Cathy Arey and Cindy Lewis are the ones organizing an even larger volunteer group who sacrifice their own traditional Christmas Day plans to benefit the community.

Prior to 2014, the local Catholic church organized the annual community Christmas dinner. They were not able to continue, so several community members who didn't want to see the tradition end, created a new unofficial committee. "We do it because it's a good thing. In my heart, it's something Jesus would do," House said.

For the past two years, a chef has been in charge of meal preparation. Richardsky Adoux first arrived in Boothbay in 2013 as a member of the Hope Haitian Choir. He is now a chef and in charge of the Christmas Day meal preparations. Past meals have included turkey, ham, pork, mashed potatoes, stuffing and several other traditional holiday offerings. 

Adoux received a culinary arts degree from Southern Maine Community College. "I’m more than happy to be here. I love this community, and I love seeing so many people so happy enjoying the meal," he said. 

Dinner planning begins in January followed by a meeting in September. House reported meal preparations take place a couple days prior to Christmas. 

Last year’s Christmas dinner had about 120 guests. House believes current circumstances this year may result in a higher turnout. "There is a lot going on in the world today with food prices so high. I'm thinking, we might have an even larger crowd this year," she said.

For House, the best part of Christmas is providing friendship to community members who may be lonely during the holiday. "I love seeing the people come out who normally may be alone," she said. "I like seeing them interacting with others, and making new friends."

Those interested in attending the dinner should contact Cathy Arey at 207-350-6686. Reservations should be made by Thursday, Dec. 18. The meal is served between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.