"When I see someone in need, I help them," said Helen Bechtold. And for more than 30 years, Bechtold has been doing just that by providing a free Christmas meal to seniors. Bechtold and Sis Luzader are known as the "Columbia Christmas Ladies." They will once again offer the meal on Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25. It will be available for pickup only at the Hambones Social Club of the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St., from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The meal will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, a roll and butter, cranberry sauce and a dessert. It is available to anyone age 55 or older, regardless of income. "It's for anyone who might be alone on Christmas or who doesn't have anyone to celebrate with," Bechtold said. "Christmas is such an important holiday to seniors. I think it's when they miss their family and friends the most. Rather than sitting at home alone, they can come out and get a meal and know someone is thinking of them."

Bechtold began serving the meal in the 1990s, when she took over as director of the Columbia Senior Center. "I was a little upset when I realized I was asked to give up my Christmas Day to do this, but I soon found I really enjoyed it," she said. "When I see the seniors smile, it makes me happy."

She noted that the giveaway is a community effort, and she emphasized that help is especially needed this year. Each senior not only takes home a meal but also receives a bag of grocery items and small treats such as cookies or candy. "The cost of everything has gone up, so we really need donations," Bechtold said. The Columbia Lions Club supports the project, and Bechtold receives discount grocery items from Blessings of Hope, but she said she'd gladly accept donations from individuals as well. Anything that is left over from the meal is donated to the Veterans Affairs hospital and personal care homes in the area.

Bechtold said she hopes to return to in-person dining next year, and she noted that the meal has never been canceled, even during the height of the pandemic. "We get people from all over Lancaster County and York, and we've even had people come from out of state," she said. "If a senior needs or wants a meal for Christmas, they can get one."

Providing the meal also requires help from many volunteers, Bechtold remarked, noting that helpers include members of the Donegal High School wrestling team, who set up and assemble goodie bags on Christmas Eve. A core group of about a dozen people help with the meal, some of whom have volunteered since the beginning, Bechtold said.

Meals will be available by reservation only. To reserve a meal, call Bechtold at 717-397-2267 or Luzader at 717-684-0128 by Friday, Dec. 16.