The 48th annual Jefferson Elk’s Lodge Christmas Day Dinner is tonight.  The event, which started in 1965, is for individuals and couples who will be alone for Christmas and would like to share in some holiday fellowship with other community members.

Jerry Roberts, the Elk’s Lodge district deputy, says that over the years, the number of people has grown from 40-50 to over 250 people.  He explains that there’s about 40 meals that are picked up by friends of those who registered for a Christmas meal, about 65-85 meals are delivered by Elk’s Lodge members and 150 people who come to the lodge.

Roberts says that the people who come to the lodge on Christmas get to play bingo for prizes that are donated by the Iowa State University and Greene County High School horticulture groups.

The meal includes turkey, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy and rolls.  The pumpkin pie is donated by the Does organization.  The lodge will be opened to the public at 3pm tpday with the meal served at 4pm and bingo will then follow the meal.