For nearly 25 of the past Christmas Day mornings, a free hot meal has been provided to some of Tullahoma’s less fortunate residents. The hope is that the tradition can continue this Christmas morning.

“We so appreciate the volunteers who make this community event happen each year,” said Evelyn and Lane Curlee, volunteer coordinators.

Typically, approximately 500 meals are delivered to disabled veterans, low-income families, home-bound, chronically ill, unemployed or folks who are just lonely on Christmas Day.

Morrison Health Care at Vanderbilt-Tullahoma Medical Center provides the meals at the actual cost of the food.  The meal consists of a generous portion of ham, several vegetables and bread.

Food costs are up considerably this year. If anyone is able to help defray the cost of the 500 meals, please mail a check to Hot Meals, P.O. Box 84, Tullahoma, TN 37388.  

To better determine how many meals can be provided this year, please mail checks no later than Friday, Dec. 13.

“We could not do this without the support of Morrison Health Care employees and the hospital administration,” said the Curlees. “This is an opportunity to lift the spirits of individuals who could use a little encouragement and a hot meal on Christmas morning.  What a wonderful way to make Christmas a little brighter for some of Tullahoma’s less fortunate folks.”