The annual Shepherd’s Feast will once again be held at Polk County Middle School from 1-4 p.m. on Christmas Day.

This free Christmas dinner was founded by the late Ross Fox, who wanted to be sure that no one would have to spend Christmas Day alone.

This is not a soup kitchen or charity meal. The feast is served family style, on white table cloths and pretty china, and it is for everyone, organizers said.

Attendees are asked to invite their neighbors, their aunts and uncles, grandparents and folks they meet on the street.

Area restaurants and businesses donate different parts of the meal, which will be prepared and cooked by a crew of volunteers. Other community members will serve as hosts, dishwashers and servers. There are gifts for the children under the tree and live music by area musicians.

This is a wonderful event for volunteers and guests alike, and the public is asked to help spread the word at their churches and in their neighborhoods, organizers said.

Those interested in donating homemade desserts or volunteering on Christmas Day can contact Carlann and Dave Scherping at cscherping@gmail.com or 828-894-3253.

– Submitted by Carlann Scherping