The holiday season can become isolating for those without family or friends to spend it with.
A 2013 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study found that 44% of veterans reported feeling lonely at least some of the time, and 10.4% reported often feeling lonely.
To help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, active and former military members and their families are invited to a free Christmas Day Dinner hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3679 of Chickamauga.
Homeless veterans and those without transportation are encouraged to reach out to the Post for help getting to the dinner or to have a plate delivered.
"We don't want people to be alone, especially if their family is overseas or they're not accepted by their family," said Auxiliary President Joy Pfeifer.
Contributed photo by Joy Pfeifer / Guests attend a free Christmas Day dinner for active and former military members and their families hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3679 of Chickamauga last year.She had the idea to offer a free dinner last year. Her family celebrated Christmas the week before and had nothing to do the day of. This made her think of all the service members and their families who didn't have a place to be.
"I told my husband we needed to do something, and then it snowballed," Pfeifer said.
Donations came from all around the area, and between 50-75 people attended the dinner, she said.
This year, Pfeifer said she has heard from about 100 people who intend to attend the dinner, and volunteers as far as Atlanta are coming up to the Post in Rossville. Earlier this month, an Auxiliary member down in Marietta donated four turkeys for the event.
The event is open to service members and their families, and there will be kid-friendly games, Christmas movies, music, and of course, food.
"There's something about the holidays that can be isolating," said Pfeifer. "We want veterans and their families to feel at home."
Donations will be accepted up until the day of the event at the Post, located at 98 Memorial Drive in Rossville. Pfeifer said there's a need for vegetables, rolls and utensils.
The dinner will be served Wednesday, Dec. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. For those in need of transportation or a plate, or to volunteer, call 706-861-0061.
Email Sabrina Bodon at sbodon@timesfreepress.com