LEWISTOWN — The late Sharon Milliken loved welcoming the smiling faces on Christmas, even if it for only a few hours.

The Honey Grove woman was a member of Faith In Christ Community Church and was a long-time member of the East Waterford Fire Co. Besides enjoying her craft work, crocheting, being outside with her flowers, bingo and baking, Milliken also loved helping with the free community Christmas meal.

“When her health started deteriorating and she knew she couldn’t do it, she told her we’d keep it going. It was a no-brainer, as it was good for our community,” said organizer Nikki Baumgardner of helping Milliken, who passed away at age 75 on Oct. 25, 2025.

This year’s free community meal will be served on Thursday — Christmas Day — from noon to 2 p.m. at the East Waterford Fire Hall, located at 9607 Route 75 in East Waterford.

Milliken had hosted this meal for many years now for the community and in her honor, the fire company is continuing the tradition she started, to provide a place for anyone in need of having a holiday meal with friends and neighbors.

“That was always the goal,” Baumgardner said. “Nobody should be alone on Christmas. People end up coming here and they get a hot meal and can spend time with others. In the past, we’ve had people travel from all over. That’s our goal.”

Anyone is welcome to come to the meal, which includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, baked beans, corn and a dessert. For questions, please call (717) 440-5370.

“A lot of people are struggling,” Baumgardner added. “We’re expecting to have more come through this year than we have in year’s past. We have a place for them to land.”

Free Christmas dinner in Lewistown

The Lewistown Assembly of God, 160 Summit Drive in Lewistown, will host a free Christmas dinner on Thursday, from 1 to 3 p.m. If you’re without family nearby or simply need a place to be, they warmly invite you to their dinner with all the trimmings.

Enjoy a delicious meal, good company and the joy of fellowship. They simply want to make sure no one in the community goes without a Christmas meal.