Christmas dinner for all

SANDPOINT — For nearly 30 years, the Bonner Gospel Mission has celebrated Jesus' birthday with a community Christmas Day dinner to which everyone is invited.

"We know that Jesus is the reason for the season, and he definitely has given everything to this dinner," said Corky Kalben, mission founder and event organizer.

The meal, which is provided through donations, will have all the trimmings of a traditional holiday dinner, including turkey, ham, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies, cookies and more.

They have enough volunteers to help out with the meal, Kalben said, but they need plenty of "volunteer eaters" on Sunday. Historically, he said, about 120 to 160 community members have attended the holiday meal each year.

The Bonner Gospel Mission serves as a shelter for individuals struggling with things like substance abuse and provides beds and meals year-round. Those who stay earn their keep by doing chores, attending chapel services, abide by curfew and give up things like drugs and alcohol.

Dinner will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., or as the event flier states: "Come one, come all, to the Sandpoint Community Hall. Christmas dinner is free from noon 'til 3."