Rain, sleet or snow can't stop Helen Bechtold from giving back to seniors on Christmas Day.

"I've dug my car out of the snow and driven in to serve this meal," said Bechtold, who, along with Sis Luzader, has been offering a free lunch for more than 30 years.

Even a pandemic won't stop the "Columbia Christmas Ladies," although it has changed their plans just a bit. Like last year, this year's lunch will only be offered to go, but seniors will have the opportunity to come inside and pick up their meals. The lunch will be served on Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hambones Social Club of the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St.

The lunch will include ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, cranberry sauce and a dessert. Seniors will also receive a gift bag full of a variety of goodies. "No one goes home without a present," Bechtold said.

She began serving the meal to seniors 34 years ago, when she worked as director of the Columbia Senior Center. Luzader joined her a year later. "We wanted to give seniors who are alone on Christmas not just a meal but also a chance to be with other people," Bechtold stated. "We wanted to let them know that when the holiday is here, people in the community are here for them."

The meal is open to all seniors age 55 and up throughout Lancaster County and surrounding areas. Bechtold noted that seniors have come from York County and even from out of state in past years.

"This is not just for low-income seniors. It's open to any senior who is looking for a meal or who would otherwise be spending the holiday alone," Bechtold explained. "Maybe they have family who live out of the area or maybe they don't have any family. It's open to everyone."

The fire hall donates the space for the meal, and the Columbia Lions Club provides donations as well. Bechtold also encourages donations of cash or gift cards from the community to support the event. Members of the Donegal High School wrestling team help with setup on Christmas Eve.

Although the meal is not a sit-down event this year, Bechtold said there is still an opportunity to visit with friends. "We can introduce people who may be new in town and encourage fellowship while they pick up their meals," she noted.

Bechtold said that watching people connect with each other is her favorite aspect of the event. "I love seeing smiles on people's faces," she commented. "That's the best part of Christmas for me. It's knowing we are spreading joy. We want to make Christmas an enjoyable day for everyone."

Masks and social distancing will be required for meal pickup. Reservations are required for the meal by Friday, Dec. 17. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Delivery and transportation options will not be available this year. To make a reservation, call Bechtold at 717-397-2267 or Luzader at 717-684-0128.