Exchange Club hosts annual Christmas Senior Dinner

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press 

Getting a visit from Santa always feels special, whether you’re five or 55.

Local seniors got a visit (and a candy cane!) from Santa this Sunday at the Exchange Club of Copperas Cove’s Annual Christmas Senior Dinner. The event was held at the Copperas Cove Civic Center from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event was free and open to anyone 55 and older. Seniors from Copperas Cove and Killeen nursing homes had the opportunity to be bused to the event. 

The event was catered by Lil-Tex Restaurant who offered ham, turkey, potatoes and gravy, a variety of pies and cakes, and more. Volunteers from the Exchange Club served food and drink throughout the event.

Joann Courtland with the Exchange Club said that she wanted to make sure that each of the seniors would be able to leave with something.

“The reason we do this is because there are a lot of seniors that aren’t able to get out,” said Courtland. “We want to make sure that they know that we care…I want to make sure that everybody has a good time.”

As they walked into the Civic Center, each senior was presented with a blue ticket and serenaded by the voice of Scotty Ray. Scotty Ray and Blanca performed their Oldies but Goodies show with a few popular Christmas songs mixed in.

Each blue ticket gave seniors the opportunity to win a variety of exciting door prizes including lap blankets, chocolates, body washes, centerpieces, Christmas items, various gift cards and certificates to local restaurants and other businesses, and more.

“I love it. I was here last year,” said Kathie Boman. “It’s neat. It really is. It’s about time someone did something for the elderly.”

Boman said that she enjoyed the good food, the fellowship, and just getting to hang out with everyone at the event.

Many others shared the sentiment.

“I just like gathering with all the people,” said Vikki Kellogg. “The people are so friendly, and the music is good. It’s just wonderful.”

Kellogg said that she doesn’t have anyone to spend Christmas day with, but she was glad that she could at least enjoy Sunday’s event. She said that she liked how friendly everyone at the event was and added that she was having a great time.