Community Christmas Eve Dinner Giveaway, Unites Town in Holiday Spirit

Hands at work, hearts in service. Volunteers preparing the Christmas Eve meal plates with love for the community. Photo courtesy of Danny Wright.

T.L. Sullivan TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News - Community Events

LEESBURG, Ala. - What began five years ago as a simple act of kindness has grown into one of the community’s most cherished Christmas Eve traditions — a free Christmas Eve Dinner Giveaway that brings comfort, fellowship, and joy to hundreds of people. Organized by Danny Wright, the event continues to make sure no one in the area goes without a hot holiday meal or a reminder that they are cared for.

The smokers full of hams cooking for the Christmas Eve Dinner Plate giveaway in 2024. Photo courtesy of Danny Wright.

Volunteers smoke dozens of hams in preparation for the Christmas Eve Community Dinner Plate Giveaway, ensuring meals are ready for those in need. Photo courtesy of Danny Wright.

The idea first sparked when Wright noticed others offering free Thanksgiving meals and believed Christmas should carry that same spirit. “I really love cooking, so it seemed to just fall into place,” he said. That first year, with little time to prepare and only a couple of volunteers, 136 plates were served — a clear sign that the need was great and the community was ready to embrace the effort.

The event quickly grew. Year two saw 406 meals served, and years three and four reached 600 meals — the maximum amount that can be efficiently prepared within the current kitchen space and equipment. Each year, volunteers gather early to cook, package, and distribute meals filled with holiday warmth.

Volunteers dressed as Santa and an elf stood along Industrial Boulevard (Highway 68), waving to drivers and spreading the word about the 2024 Christmas Eve Dinner Giveaway at the Leesburg Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Danny Wright.

This year’s meal distribution will take place on Christmas Eve beginning at 1 p.m. at the Leesburg Fire Department, located at 1900 Lokey Street, Leesburg, Alabama. Each plate will include smoked ham, green beans, mac and cheese, dressing, and bread — a traditional Christmas comfort meal prepared with love.

A banner placed at Industrial Boulevard (Highway 68) in front of the Leesburg Fire Department invites the community to the free Christmas Eve dinner plate giveaway that will be December 24 beginning at 1 p.m. Photo courtesy of Danny Wright.

While the number of meals is impressive, the heart of the event lives in the stories. Many who come for dinner share hardships they are facing during the holidays — illness, job loss, loneliness — and for them, the dinner becomes a bright moment. “Year after year the best part is seeing so many people thankful for a good hot meal,” Wright said. Volunteers also feel the joy. “Seeing how much fun the volunteers have shows that the Christmas spirit really is contagious.”

This year, the event is expanding in an exciting new way with Christmas gifts for children. Thanks to growing community donations, at least 100 age- and gender-sorted gifts will be wrapped and ready to hand out. Children must be present to receive their gift, and Santa will be on-site spreading cheer.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special stop at the Christmas Eve Dinner Giveaway — bringing smiles, holiday cheer, and plenty of Christmas spirit. Photo courtesy of the Town of Leesburg social media page, taken during the 2024 Christmas in the Park celebration.

There are no questions asked regarding who may receive a meal. Guests are simply asked to request only what they need so everyone can be served. Meals may also be picked up for others who are homebound.

Local businesses and individuals play a vital role each year through their generosity. Wright emphasized, “I couldn’t possibly make a giveaway of this size possible on my own. I’m so thankful for every single person who has come together to make the dinner and presents giveaway possible.”

Community support is still needed. The rising cost of food and supplies continues to increase each year. Monetary donations help cover those essential expenses, while product or service donations can be raffled to support the cost of meals and gifts. Additionally, new, unwrapped children’s gifts valued between $20–$30 are requested to ensure every child who attends receives something special. Any excess funds will go toward purchasing additional gifts beyond the 100 Wright has already committed to donating.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

• Ali Stimpson — J&Co Salon in Leesburg

• Greg Oliver — GO Realty LLC in Centre

• Or contact Wright directly for pick-up

For those who prefer digital contributions, the following apps are available:

CashApp — $DannyWright83

Venmo — Danny83

Google Pay — Danny.Wright83@gmail.com

Apple Pay — 256-504-0474

Facebook Messenger Pay — Danny Wright

PayPal — Info@WeissChoiceTackle.com

Wright hopes those struggling this season will come out — not only for food, but for connection. “You will leave in much better spirits than you arrived in,” he promised.

His hope for the future remains simple: keep the dinner going for as long as the community needs it. “I genuinely wish there was no need at all for it,” Wright said. “But we will all come together and make the event as big as we need to.”

Because at the heart of this holiday tradition is one unchanging message — no one should feel alone or overlooked at Christmas.

©️2025 TWLN. All rights reserved.