The Becker American Legion Post 193 is once again hosting a Christmas Eve dinner for the community from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. on December 24 at the Legion building at 12155 Hancock Street.  There is no charge for the dinner, which is open to the public, however people can bring store bought desserts to share with the other attendees if they chose.

Free-will donations will be accepted at the door, and anyone interested in donating to the event can also send their offering to the Legion at the above address.

According to the Legion’s First Vice-Commander Mark Swanson, the meal is being offered as a service for people, including Veterans, so they can experience companionship at a critical time of the year.

Swanson notes that Veteran suicide is an ongoing problem, and for anyone experiencing the holiday season without family by their sides, loneliness and depression are a real thing.

“This is giving an outlet to the community so that no one is alone at this time of the year,” Swanson says.  “We want everyone, including Veterans, to know that they are not alone.”

In recent years, the American Legion has been active in supporting Veterans within the community through the use of the hashtag, #betheone, which symbolizes the mission to prevent Veteran suicide.

“The meal is open to anyone that wants to come and join us,” Swanson says.

For more information, Swanson can be contacted at legionpost193@aol.com.