Christmas is a time for peace, love and joy but, for many, it is the loneliest time of the year. Southside Baptist Church in Troy is dedicated to making sure that its church doors are open on Christmas Day for everyone who is alone.

“We don’t want anyone to be by themselves on Christmas Day,” said Elaine McLeod, organizer of the Christmas Day Lunch at Southside.

“Being alone can be devastating at any time but, especially around the holidays when families and friends traditionally come together,” McLeod said. “For those that are alone, Christmas is the loneliest time of the year.”

The Christmas Day Lunch is a ministry of the Southside Baptist Church and the lunch is for anyone who will be alone on Monday.

“This lunch is for those who won’t have family or friends with them on Christmas Day,” McLeod said. “It’s for the homeless. It’s for families that aren’t financially able to have a Christmas meal. It’s for anyone who wants to have others around them on Christmas Day.”

McLeod said the Christmas Day Lunch is an effort to create an extended family for Christmas.

“This extended family will share a holiday meal together and enjoy the fellowship of others at this special time of year,” she said. “It will be a traditional Christmas meal of turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, casseroles, sweet potatoes, rolls and homemade desserts. We hope all of those who would benefit will come and be a part of a special extended family. And, we ask that the news of this dinner be passed along to those who might not know otherwise.”

The Christmas Day Lunch will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 25 at Southside Baptist Church, 522 South Brundidge Street in Troy. For more information call 334-465-0067 or 566-2263.