For the ninth consecutive year, Mulberry Baptist Church will be serving up a free Christmas dinner to the community.

Billy Veazey, who started the program along with his wife, Charlene, became unable to coordinate last year because of health reasons. He died in May 2008 with the assurance that a faithful group of volunteers would continue his efforts.

“He just lived to help people,” Charlene Veazey said. “The last person he ever thought about was himself.”

Approximately 50 volunteers will help prepare and deliver the meals on Christmas Day from noon until 2 p.m. Anyone can participate by either dining at the church or requesting a take-out plate. Transportation is provided for those who wish to dine at the church.

“We’re expecting close to 600 plates,” Pastor Mitch Thrower estimated. “Last year we did about 300, but we’re expecting to double that number.”

Plates will include turkey, dressing, ham and all the fixings, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and homemade desserts. The meal is free to all.

Thrower added that the church could use a few willing volunteers to help out on Christmas Day.

“Anybody can come and help prepare plates. We’ll be doing that at 10 o’clock on Christmas morning,” he said.

The church is located on County Road 15 past Isabella High School. Anyone requesting a plate must call 755-6816, 280-1982 or 755-9293 prior to Dec. 20 and leave a message as to the number of plates needed, directions to the residence, and a phone number so someone can confirm the information.