This year marks the 31st anniversary of Temple Adat Elohim’s Annual Community Holiday Dinner.
Our Community Holiday Dinner welcomes individuals of all faiths who may be spending Christmas Day alone or who lack the means to prepare a holiday meal. All ages are welcome.
Our volunteers are the heart of this event. From preparing and serving food to greeting guests with a smile, every role helps us create a warm, welcoming experience for all who join us.
Volunteer slots are limited and tend to fill quickly — scroll down to learn more about available opportunities and to sign up.
👉 Click here to learn more about the dinner.
Pictures from 2023
This celebration wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers! Below, you will find details about our current volunteer needs.
If you’d like to help make the day extra special, please watch for upcoming sign-up announcements.Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer »
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.