Celebrate Christmas with free community dinners

The stockings have been hung by the chimney with care all over Spokane, but some churches and social service agencies will be celebrating Christmas by hosting community meals for those who would like a hot meal and some conversation on the holiday.

The Salvation Army is expecting around 400 people to attend their free dinner Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. at 222 E. Indiana Ave. The agency is preparing for a larger crowd than usual because of an increased number of people using the agency’s food bank and warming center this year.

More than 70 volunteers will be on site to serve food and clean up.

Other free community meals:

City Gate, 170 S. Madison, 4-7 p.m. Thursday.

Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent, 6 p.m. Thursday.

Timber Gastro Pub, 1610 E. Schneidmiller Ave. in Post Falls, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

St. Charles Catholic Church, 4515 N. Alberta, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

Mid-City Concerns, 1222 W. Second, 11:30 a.m. Friday for seniors and noon for the general public.