Red Andrews Christmas Dinner draws thousands

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A record number of cars lined up for free dinner, gifts, and coats at Tuesday's Red Andrews Christmas Dinner. While it looks different than it did in years past, organizers are hoping they can soon return to their roots.

"That is the goal, to go back into a sit down. But it's just hard to find a facility that's that big and the kitchen can accommodate and that sort of thing," said Kelley Hillis, a Red Andrews Christmas Dinner board member.

It's a big goal to see a blast from the past.

"We started at the Cox Center. I used to get up at what time—we used to be there at 9:00 in the morning, probably earlier than that, on Christmas Eve going in the kitchen, cooking food, prepping food, getting it ready to get cooked for the next day," said Steven Burton, a cook at the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner.

It was the official sit down Christmas dinner for those in the community, but over time the need to help the community grew and the space became too small.

Plus, with COVID impacting how they supported the community, changes had to be made, and until their dream is fulfilled once again, the group will serve thousands of Oklahomans in a drive-through format.

"I got here at 6:15. It was already lined up halfway around the mall," said Mary Blankenship Pointer, the secretary-treasurer of the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner.

For some, the giveaway and joy it brings is everything this Christmas season.

"To be able to bring people together is amazing. I know for one, my kids probably wouldn't have Christmas if it wasn't for a program like this, this is amazing," said Macie Thompson, who's a first time attendee.

"It started 78 years ago, if you can imagine, with about a dozen people and today will serve about 6,000 people, give away 4,500 toys to 4,500 children," said Blankenship Pointer.

Even though this year's giveaway is over, you can still help out next year. Click here to find ways to donate and volunteer.