Volunteers needed for Bishop’s annual holiday dinners

Volunteers are needed to pack, deliver and serve the annual Bishop’s Holiday Dinners. Catholic Charities Worcester County collaborates with Bishop McManus in hosting the dinners.

“Since 1960, in partnership with the Bishop of Worcester, we’ve been bringing warmth to tables across our community through Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners,” Megan Dickie, Catholic Charities’ development and communications coordinator, said in a press release.

“Whether it’s serving at the sit-down dinners at the Cathedral of St. Paul or bringing a hot meal to someone’s doorstep, your time can make a real difference, especially for those facing hunger or spending the holidays alone.

“In 2024, the Bishop’s Holiday Dinner Programs successfully provided over 5,849 meals, both delivered directly to homes and served in communal settings, with the support of nearly 700 dedicated volunteers. As the demand for holiday meal assistance continues to grow, we are calling for volunteers and sponsors to help us continue offering free meals to those in need.”

On Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, volunteers are needed to pack meals between 7:30 and 8 a.m. at St. Peter’s Central Catholic Elementary School gym, 10 Hammond Street, Worcester.

Those volunteering to deliver meals are to pick up the meals, assigned delivery routes and recipient information in a drive-through at the school between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on the holidays.

To help longtime volunteers serve the sit-down dinner in the cenacle on the lower level of St. Paul Cathedral, 38 High St., other volunteers can arrive between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas and will likely finish about 2 p.m.

Anyone can come to this sit-down dinner at noon. No registration is required.

Those having meals delivered sign up through their case manager through their elder service provider.

People who need a basket with turkey and other food to prepare at home can contact their local Catholic Charities office before the holidays.

The dinners would not be possible without the generosity of two anonymous sponsors, The David Grenon Family Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Rockland Trust, Saint Francis Community Health Care Inc., Berkshire Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Savers Bank, Eastern Bank, Fallon Health, Reliant Medical Group – Part of Optum, and Clinton Savings Bank, the press release said.

Those interested in helping in any way are asked to visit the website ccworc.org/bishops
dinnervolunteer to register to volunteer.

For more information about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact Megan Dickie at [email protected].

Volunteers needing assistance can text (774) 275-3407.