For some families, putting a traditional Christmas dinner on the table can be a challenge. The Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers hope to make the holiday a little brighter by once again delivering Christmas food boxes to families in Columbia and surrounding communities, continuing a tradition that began more than four decades ago.

"This has been going on since 1982," said John Meshey, Lions Club member. "We started with one box. It began with the Jaycees, and once we saw what people needed, it just grew."

The group now delivers 600 boxes. Each family will receive the fixings for a traditional Christmas dinner, including a turkey, mashed potatoes, filling and canned goods. The boxes will also contain pantry staples such as eggs, milk, butter and cereal.

Families in Columbia and the surrounding areas with ZIP codes 17512, 17547, 17368, 17554, 17582, 17575 and 17538 are eligible to receive a food box. Deliveries will take place on Sunday, Dec. 20.

Organizers are also counting on community members to help deliver the boxes, with additional information about delivery times and locations to be announced closer to the date.

The project is made possible through donations from local businesses and individuals, along with money the Lions Club collects throughout the year.

"If you're in need, this is available for you," Meshey said. "Anyone should feel free to contact us. It's everything you need for a great meal - and we deliver it to you."

In addition to the food box distribution, volunteers will deliver hot Christmas dinners on Sunday, Dec. 27, to residents of local senior apartments in place of food boxes. The meals will be prepared by the Foresters of America and delivered by the Columbia Lions Club, Sunsnappers and other community volunteers.

Christmas dinners will be delivered to residents of Trinity House, St. Peter Apartments, Our Home of Hope, Marietta Senior Apartments, Sylvan Retreat Apartments, Faith Friendship Ministries, Hershey Mill Home and Landisville Apartments.

Meshey noted that club members are proud to keep up the tradition that started in the 1980s.

"There are a lot of people in need in our local area, and we want to give them a little bit of cheer over the holiday," he said. "As long as we're able to do this, we're going to continue doing it."

Families interested in receiving a Christmas food box must register by Monday, Nov. 30, or sooner until the registration limit of 600 families is reached.

To register, visit https://columbialions.org/christmas or call 717-608-4363.