Holiday dinner feeds hundreds

STERLING – A group of community volunteers led by Thomas Lewis Sr. served 365 meals for Sterling First Church of the Nazarene’s 24th annual community Christmas dinner.

Lewis, known as “Papa Tom,” started asking local businesses for help in November. Beelendorf Deli & Catering and Culver’s of Rock Falls, Kroger, SBM, McCormick’s Nursery of Sterling and several community members made donations this year.

The menu was mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, ham, and turkey with all the trimmings.

A record number of 41 volunteers prepared the food Dec. 24.

Approximately 50 meals were donated to the PADS shelter and Firehouse of God Ministries in Sterling.