This Christmas Day will be the fifth year for the Shepherds Feast, an annual dinner and celebration of Christmas free to the public. The dinner is provided on this day to provide fellowship and community to those in the area that wish to share with others in a festive atmosphere.

The Shepherds Feast is coordinated by Ross Fox, a long-time Tryon resident, with the help of the volunteer efforts of many.

Volunteers are needed to help coordinate, serve meals, help in the kitchen with food preparation, cooking, dishwashing and clean-up. A giftwrapper is also needed on Thursday, Dec. 23 from 1 – 4 p.m.

The dinner takes place at Polk County Middle School on Christmas Day from 1 – 4 p.m. Santa Claus will be present the entire time with gifts for the children.

If you would like to volunteer call Ross Fox at 828-859-9979.&bsp; Donations are also being accepted to purchase food including more than 20 turkeys. If you would like to donate, make your check payable to The Shepherds Feast and mail to P.O. Box 1481, Tryon, NC 28782.

Toy donations are also needed (new and unwrapped). Bring toy donations to the Polk County Middle School on Thursday, Dec. 23 from 1 – 4 p.m.