This New Bedford Christmas Tradition Has United the Community for 56 Years

It was a pleasant surprise to learn that a Christmas Day tradition that was already going strong when I began reporting in New Bedford back in 1973 is still alive and well.

This is the 56th year of the Christmas Dinner sponsored by the Jewish Community of Greater New Bedford. It's a free turkey dinner, and anyone can drop by and join the celebration.

Two longtime volunteers, Stanley Levine and Maria Connor, stopped by Townsquare Sunday to spread the word about the event, which has seen some changes in recent years.

Volunteers Who Have Kept the Tradition Alive

Levine said he first attended the Christmas Dinner with his father in the early 1970s. "I did everything from playing Santa Claus to delivering meals to people who were unable to leave their homes," he said.

He has been co-chair of the event with Ellen Hull for the past 30 years.

Connor said the Christmas Dinner is a tradition for her. "I think I would feel a little uneasy if I could not participate," she said.

This Year's Dinner Details

This year's free Christmas Dinner will be held on December 25 at 12 p.m. at the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Hall, located at 121 Mt. Pleasant Street in New Bedford. The public is asked to call (508) 999-4717 to make reservations, and all are welcome.

"It's always very encouraging to see our Jewish community and Christian community involved in all this," Connor said. "It's a day that we are very thankful for."

Delivery Available to Those Who Can't Make It In-Person

In addition to serving meals in the Parish Hall, organizers and volunteers continue to deliver meals to those seniors and others who can't leave their homes.

"We will deliver anywhere from 175 to 200 meals on Christmas Day, with dozens of volunteers helping out with the deliveries," Levine said.

How the Christmas Dinner Has Changed Over the Years

Levine said the number of meals served in-house in recent years has ranged anywhere from 75 to 125. Organizers are hoping to see that number increase this year.

"This is a lovely, lovely turkey dinner where everything is catered," Connor said. "There are some gifts as well and it makes it really nice."

"When the event first started, it was strictly for seniors," Levine said. "Now, anybody can attend at no charge."

Listen to the Complete Discussion

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