Heart of Christmas

Philip Shore

Special for the Randolph Hub

ASHEBORO – Seniors! There’s no reason to feel isolated on Christmas Day! A very special event just for seniors is here to include you in the holidays.  

“The Heart of Christmas Dinner” invites seniors without nearby family, empty nesters, and people who have suffered a loss and are having trouble getting through the season. This eighth annual free Christmas event wants you!

The meal will be served from 3-5 p.m. at the Randolph Senior Adults Association’s Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Adult REC, 347 W. Salisbury St., Asheboro.

Sponsored by local churches and businesses, the event includes dinner, carol singing, bingo games, line dancing, a visit from a certain jolly old elf and his sweetie-pie, surprises and a happy time for all.

More than 100 guests and volunteers are expected to gather and share the joy.

Supporters — and the list is growing — have included Randolph Senior Adults Association, First Baptist Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, First United Methodist Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Brightside Gallery, Carter’s Family Pharmacy, Central Bakery, Chriscoe & Associates, Warren Coble & Associates, The Flying Pig, Friends of the Randolph Library, Hop’s Barbecue, Hamilton’s Steakhouse, Liberty Advisors, Lumina, Magnolia 23, Andy McNally Illustration, Mistletoe Meadows, PIP Printing, Party Rentals by Lisa, Schmidt’s Candy, Southern Supreme, Cheryl Surratt Design and The Table Farmhouse Bakery.

Volunteers are requested for setup and to serve the meal on Christmas Day, or to drop off a side dish or dessert. Monetary donations are also welcome. The dinner is free but spaces are limited; reservations are required by December 22 at the latest.  

There’s an angel angle to The Heart of Christmas. According to organizer Peggy Kilburn, her late husband Howard was deeply troubled that people who especially enjoy companionship are deprived of it on the very day it’s most cherished. It is in Howard’s honor that Peggy founded the dinner. For more details and merry moments from previous Heart of Christmas dinners, visit www.theheartofchristmas.org.

To reserve a spot: Call the Asheboro Senior Center receptionist at 336-625-3389, x221.

To volunteer: Email TheHeartofChristmasDinner@gmail.com or contact organizer Peggy Kilburn at 336-521-4157. You may also text Peggy at 516-302-7587.