Temple Adat Elohim > Connect > Social Action > Community Holiday Dinner 2025

Community Holiday Dinner 2025

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Temple Adat Elohim’s Annual Community Holiday Dinner on Christmas Day!

❄️ Community Holiday Dinner Planning Meeting
Wednesday, September 10 | 6:30 PM | TAE Youth Lounge

It’s time to start planning our 31st Annual Community Holiday Dinner on December 25, and we need your help! From decorations and advertising to entertainment, food & desserts, gifts, and more, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.If you’d like to help, we’d love to have you on the team!

👉 Questions? Want to join the planning meeting? Email our committee chairs at TAEHolidayDinner@gmail.com.

👉 Save the date! Volunteer sign-ups to help on the day of the event open December 1.

For over three decades, Temple Adat Elohim has proudly hosted this cherished tradition, serving approximately 250 meals each year. The dinner offers warmth, companionship, and a festive holiday meal for those who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day or who may not have the means to prepare one.

Open to all, regardless of religious affiliation, this year’s dinner will be held on Thursday, December 25, 2025, from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at Temple Adat Elohim. Guests are welcome to drop in at any time during those hours.

Pictures from 2023

This celebration wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers! Please find details about our volunteer needs. If you’d like to help make the day extra special, please watch for upcoming sign-up announcements. Join Us! Sign Up Available Soon >>

TAE is very conscious about the safety of our volunteers and guests. We will be following the recommendations of TAE’s security committee during this event.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

  • All volunteers must register in advance. We cannot accommodate unregistered, walk-in volunteers.
  • Except for the decorating help, volunteers MUST be 16 years of age or older,
  • Volunteers will be on their feet and actively engaged throughout the event. Please make sure you are physically capable of working without an extended break.
  • To ensure there is enough food for all of our guests, volunteers will not be provided a meal at dinner. If you need a snack, lunch, or water during your shift, please bring these items with you.
  • We ask all volunteers to stay and help with the cleanup. With many hands, the work will go quickly, and with our great group of volunteers, it should be done in no time.
  • If you are signing up more than one person, please list all names on the Sign-Up Genius form.
  • The volunteer committee will contact you a few weeks before the event to provide more details about your role.

Decorations
Open to ALL AGES! Transform the Social Hall into a festive space!

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Please be on time! Decorating usually doesn’t take the full hour, so if you arrive late, there may not be much left to do.)
  • Open to All Ages: This opportunity is open to everyone! Families with young children are encouraged to join.
  • Adult Volunteers Needed for Ladder Work: We need four adults comfortable using 6 foot ladders to hang lights.
  • Decorations: While Temple Adat Elohim has plenty of decorations, we welcome homemade, disposable decorations that can be taped on the wall! Please note that these items will not be returned.
  • Additional Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteers aged 16 and older are welcome to sign up for a second shift during the meal.

Dessert Preparation
Cut and package desserts for the event.

  • Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  • We need eight volunteers who are age 16 or older.
  • This role may not take the full three hours.

Parking Attendant
Assist guests in the parking lot

  • Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  • We need five adult volunteers

Meal Preparation/Server
Volunteer to help with the meal. 

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
  • We need 44 volunteers who are age 16 or older.
  • The listed time is approximate and may vary slightly depending on the assigned role.
  • Roles and times will be assigned and communicated in advance of the event.

Entertainers

  • Our singers and musicians will entertain our guests!
  • If you would like to participate, please email Bob Mills, entertainment coordinator, directly at millsrs@msn.com.

Donations Needed

  • Toy Donations: We are collecting new, unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, and books (new or used in good condition) to give to children during the event.
  • Coat Donations: We are also collecting new or gently used, clean coats (please, no other clothing items).
  • Drop-Off Deadline: These items can be dropped off at the temple until Monday, December 15, 2025.