Red Andrews Feeding Thousands Of Oklahomans For Christmas

Since 1947, the Red Andrews Christmas dinner has been providing meals and toys to Oklahoma families.

“We have a bag of groceries for everyone to take home and have their own personal Christmas dinner, we have coats to pass out, we have toys for the children,” said Mary Blankenship-Pointer with The Red Andrews Christmas Dinner.

Vehicles lined the parking lot of Crossroads church waiting to be served by excited volunteers at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning.

“To bring some smiles and joy to the kids and every time they can just come up and get their toys and they are like wait, we’re getting toys from Wonder Woman and Captain America,” said Wonder Woman.

As Santa and Mrs. Claus prepare for the big night; he also took time to spread some cheer.

“It’s just a time to do something really special like Oklahoma does,” said Santa.

“It’s just wonderful, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the Red Andrews Christmas dinner, you know this shows what Christmas is all about,” said Mrs. Claus.

In the past, families were able to enjoy a hot prepared meal, however, due to COVID-19, families have been given the ingredients to make their own dinner -- in drive-thru events.

“We’re hoping to have an in-person dinner maybe next year, we’re hoping,” said Blankenship-Pointer.

For now, about one thousand volunteers set out to brighten someone’s Christmas

“This tradition is special to me because it serves the community. It does so many things for the community that people are in great need that we really don’t realize the needs that we have in the community until we look around,” said Blankenship-Pointer.

Making Christmas special for Oklahomans that what this is all about.

“It’s just wonderful how everyone gives back,” said Santa.

Many of the volunteers come every year, helping distribute food, toys and coats to anyone that came by, blessing about 2,200 families.