For decades, Christmas Day has meant something special for area seniors thanks to the efforts of Helen Bechtold. What began as a simple way to brighten the holiday has grown into a long-standing tradition. And this year, she's once again asking the community to lend a hand.

"With everything costing more, we really depend on donations," Bechtold said. "The need keeps increasing."

Contributions of food, monetary donations and practical household items are welcome. Each meal package will include turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a vegetable and dessert, along with hygiene and paper products for seniors to take home.

Meals will be offered for takeout only at the Hambones Social Club of the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St., Columbia, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25.

Last Christmas, Bechtold and her team - including longtime cook Sis Luzader - handed out more than 100 meals. She anticipates an even larger turnout this year.

"There is a real need," she said. "Our senior population is growing."

Bechtold stressed that the program is open to all adults 55 and older, regardless of income.

"It's for anyone who might be spending Christmas alone or who simply doesn't want to cook," she explained. "Some people just want a friendly face and a few minutes to talk when they stop by."

While the meal pickup is in Columbia, Bechtold welcomes seniors from across the region.

"This is a community effort," she said. "We've had people come from all over Lancaster County, even from out of state. Everyone is welcome."

A familiar figure in local senior services, Bechtold spent more than 20 years working at the Columbia Senior Center. Even in retirement, her mission remains the same.

"People should not be forgotten, especially on Christmas Day," she said. "It's important to us to let the community know that we're still thinking about seniors on a special holiday that they would be either be alone or they wouldn't have a meal."

Bechtold's volunteer crew includes individuals who have helped for years, along with members of the Donegal wrestling team, who assist with setup every Christmas Eve.

"We had probably 25 boys from the team helping last year," Bechtold recalled. "They are a huge help."

More volunteers are always welcome, she noted.

"We have everything set up assembly line style," she explained. "We need people to make sure every senior on the list gets a meal and to help bag the meals."

Any food left over after the distribution is delivered to personal care homes in the area, Bechtold said.

"We just try to make seniors happy," she said of the meal's mission. "And they come in, get their meal, and they are happy. It's wonderful to see that."

While delivery of meals is not available, people may pick up a meal for someone else. Reservations are required by Wednesday, Dec. 17. To reserve a meal or make a donation, call Bechtold at 717-342-2903 or Luzader at 717-475-2562.