Bandera Family Christmas Dinner Expands

The Bandera Family Christmas Dinner is expanding.  Bill Bandera, whose parents started the Christmas holiday dinner for people in Binghamton and surrounding communities, says that this Christmas they will hold a similar dinner on Christmas Day in Norwich.  The meal is provided free of charge and features a complete turkey dinner  with stuffing, mashed potatos and gravy, vegetables and dessert.  Members of the Bandera family and dozens of volunteers give up a large part of their Christmas to cook, bake and serve the meal.  All are invited in the community.

Speaking today on WNBF's Binghamton Now program hosted by Roger Neel, Bandera said they are expanding their holiday meal to Norwich.  American Legion Post 89 will be the site for the meal.  Bandera said they chose Norwich as an additional site for several reasons including the demographics of the area and the need for such a service.  He says there is no other Christmas meal offered currently in Norwich.

Both American Legion Post 80 in Binghamton and the Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome in Endicott will be back as sites in Broome County.  To get additional information, to volunteer and to make donations to help fund the project go to:

banderachristmas.com or call:  607- 231-0706.  Many areas businesses help provide contributions for the dinner including Security Mutual Life Insurance, BAE and Sam's Club.