Naperville Christmas lunch expanding to serve more in need

Just like Santa's waistline after repeated rounds of milk and cookies, a Christmas luncheon in Naperville is expanding.

A meal on Dec. 25 sponsored by Naperville Park District, Naperville YMCA and volunteers will welcome not only senior citizens as in the past, but also clients of four area food, shelter and emergency assistance organizations.

"Typically it had been for seniors that didn't have a place to go and were lonely at the holidays," said Tom Miers of Naperville Bank & Trust, one of the event's organizers. "We've expanded it beyond the typical senior group that we've attracted to (include) Loaves & Fishes, Bridge Communities, Naperville CARES and DuPage PADS."

Those nonprofits are inviting some of the people they assist to join the crowd at 11:30 a.m. Christmas Day at the Naperville Marriott, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., for a free meal with caroling and Santa Claus.

Miers said organizers are preparing to host 250 people instead of last year's 150 as they serve Christmas spirit, companionship and a warm meal. Using about 30 volunteers as servers helps keep down the cost of the event for organizers who provide the meal free to guests.

"In my family, it's a tradition," Miers said about helping out during the luncheon. "We just love to go and share with people who might have a need."

The lunch focused in its first 31 years on older residents whose obstacles to enjoying Christmas were making it to a holiday meal to enjoy the festivities and social time that come with it. But now Miers said leaders also want to help people who can't afford a Christmas feast or a nice place to eat it.

Park district Executive Director Ray McGury called the event "heartwarming."

Seniors and families in need can make a reservation by contacting Polly Rhodes at (630) 527-6599 with the name and the number planning to attend.