**Vacaville Veterans to Host Free Community Christmas Eve Dinner**
Come with an appetite and leave room for dessert! Vacaville military veterans will once again offer a free Community Christmas Eve dinner for the public. Volunteers and community members will serve hot holiday meals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until food runs out) on December 24 at the Vacaville Veterans Memorial Building, 549 Merchant St.
“We also look forward to welcoming Santa Claus, who will be on hand to provide toys to children attending with their parents,” said event co-chair Jeff Jewell in a press statement. Jewell, who shares the organizing duties with his wife Lynn and Lewis Derfuss, is the adjutant for American Legion Post 165.
**Meal Deliveries and Donations Needed**
A limited number of meals will be delivered to those unable to attend, if pre-ordered by noon on December 23. To arrange for a meal delivery, volunteer, or make a donation, please call the Veterans Memorial Building at (707) 447-6354 or visit [www.vacavets.org](http://www.vacavets.org). Jewell suggests calling ahead to ensure volunteers are available to accept donations.
Jewell notes that this program has been generously supported by the community in past years. Donations of turkeys, hams, rolls, desserts, and cash are all greatly appreciated—with financial contributions providing the greatest flexibility to purchase whatever is needed for the holiday meal. Volunteers will be at the Veterans Memorial Building Tuesdays through Sundays to accept donations and take sign-ups for meal deliveries.
**Help Restock for Christmas Eve**
Nearly 1,000 meals were served during the recent free Thanksgiving dinner, so there’s a strong need to restock supplies for Christmas Eve. “Now we can accept donations of turkeys and hams,” said Jewell, who marks his 37th year volunteering for the veterans’ holiday dinners. “I’m amazed at the community support.”
If you wish to donate turkeys or hams, please deliver them by December 17 so cooks have enough time to prepare them.
**How to Donate**
For those wishing to donate money, please note that Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7244 is funding the Christmas Eve program this year. Checks may be made payable to **VFW Post 7244** and mailed or delivered to 549 Merchant St., Vacaville, CA 95688. The Tax Identification Number is 94-2583926.
**Contact Information**
For more information, to request meal deliveries, to volunteer, or donate, call (707) 447-6354 or visit [www.vacavets.org](http://www.vacavets.org).
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*Bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer to join the Vacaville veterans for a warm meal and community celebration this Christmas Eve!*
https://www.thereporter.com/2025/12/12/donations-sought-for-vaca-veterans-free-christmas-eve-dinner/