A deadline is fast approaching for those who are spending Christmas Day alone and would like a free meal.

The Jefferson Elks Lodge #2306 is hosting the 56th Annual Christmas Day Dinner at the lodge on Saturday. The meal will be served starting at 4pm with the menu to include ham and turkey, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, rolls and homemade pumpkin pie. The Elks are providing the meals as either dine-in, pick-up or delivery. 

Elks member Les Fister talks about what happens after the meal for those who dine-in.

“We’ll play bingo afterwards. We’ll have some door prizes type things there, furnished by several of our businesses in town. Kriegers and Iowa State University Horticultural Club, they will be furnishing poinsettias again for us.”

Those who would like a free meal must register by tomorrow by calling the Elks Lodge at 515-386-2106. Fister says you can leave a message and specify how you are going to receive the meal.