Texas Corral restaurant in Merrillville will open its doors on Monday, December 25 to provide a free Christmas dinner to individuals and families in need across the Region. General Manager Anthony Moniuszko, in coordination with the Texas Corral organization, hopes to spread cheer and goodwill to the many folks struggling with hunger and other challenging circumstances this holiday season. The Christmas dinner will be served between 11am and 5pm, and any individual or family in need of a warm meal are invited to attend at no cost.
“The holiday season invokes feelings of togetherness and celebration with friends and family,” said Moniuszko. “But for people in our community struggling to make ends meet, many are not able to experience all that the holidays have to offer. We want to open our doors and share the holidays with individuals and families in need — those who are hungry, homeless, or might otherwise spend Christmas alone.”
In lieu of the regular Texas Corral menu, the Merrillville restaurant will be offering turkey and ham dinners, traditional holiday side items, desserts and drinks. Many restaurant staff members will be volunteering their time on Christmas day to help serve meals and share the holiday with those in need.
“One in six people struggle with hunger in our community, and the need often seems more apparent over the holidays,” said Steve Beekman, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “It’s exciting to see the community come together to provide this unique and generous opportunity for people in need across the Region. Texas Corral is giving many individuals and families the chance to experience a happy and meaningful holiday with this Christmas dinner and toy drive. “
Texas Corral locations across Northwest Indiana have also been holding a month-long toy drive leading up to the Christmas Day meal. Toys will continue to be collected through Christmas Eve and Santa will be on hand to pass out toys and presents to any children attending the Christmas Day meal with their families.
Guests will be seated between 11am and 4:30 pm. Servings are limited to 700 individuals, or while supplies last. Individuals interested in attending the Christmas Dinner can contact the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana for more information, or visit foodbanknwi.org for a voucher with details on receiving the free Christmas meal.
The Christmas meal is made possible by the generosity and support of several community partners and organizations, including the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Suncrest Christian Church, Midwest Accounting LLC, The Higginbotham Family, Hobart Assembly Church, Naegel Insurance, Rosewood Family Restaurant, Welch's Stop and Shop, Saint John Evangelists, Wolverine, Woodward Law Offices, Alpha Baking, US Foods, Sweet Street, GFS, Edward Don & Company, and Pepsi-Cola