Norman's community Christmas dinner is Tuesday

The dinner will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Norman High School Commons Cafeteria, 911 W Main St.

Magarian, who founded the event in 1987, said the dinner has grown each year. Due to an ice storm, only about 20 people attended that first dinner. Last year, he and his army of volunteers served nearly 2,000.

“We're expecting about the same this year, if the weather cooperates,” Magarian said.

Magarian said he's already had a couple of calls from people who have been laid off from their jobs. Serving those people is what the community dinner is all about, he said.

“One man said he was counting on his Christmas bonus to provide a Christmas for his four kids. Since he was laid off and didn't get the bonus, this is the only Christmas they'll have,” Magarian said. “I think it's just terrible when people are laid off right before Christmas. I'm really hoping he and his family make it to the dinner.”

The purpose of the dinner is to give those without means a nice Christmas Day meal, but anyone in the community is welcome, Magarian said.

The meal will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and other holiday favorites.

While he assures pumpkin pie will be available for dessert, Magarian said businesses usually donate cakes, cupcakes and other sweets.

“Whatever people donate, our dessert people will put it out,” he said. “The donations have become a real treat for our guests.”