A Tradition of Community & Compassion at Christmas

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The Bounty of Bethlehem is a beloved community tradition in Henderson County, dedicated to ensuring that no one is alone or hungry on Christmas Day.

 Since its founding in 1983, the annual Christmas Day Dinner has evolved from a small gathering into a large-scale community-wide event, 

welcoming thousands of guests each year. 

A simple Start

The tradition began in 1983 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hendersonville. 

The first dinners were served at the Catholic school next door, founded by parishioners with a vision of providing a warm meal and

 fellowship to anyone who might be alone during the holidays. 

Growth and Community Partnership

Over the decades, the event expanded, eventually moving its operations to The Salvation Army to accommodate a growing number 

of guests and volunteers.  While rooted in a spirit of generosity, it became an inclusive tradition with no specific religious affiliation, 

welcoming people from all walks of life, faiths, and backgrounds. 

A Community-led Effort

The dinner is entirely organized and run by hundreds of community volunteers. 

It is funded by donations from local individuals and businesses, with every dollar and food item coming directly from the community. 

The collaborative spirit is a hallmark of the event, with volunteers handling everything from food preparation and decoration to

 serving meals and delivering food to those who are homebound or working on Christmas Day.  

Serving the Community in Every Way

Each Christmas, the Bounty of Bethlehem provides thousands of hot, freshly prepared meals, both at a festive sit-down dinner and through deliveries to

registered shut-ins and the elderly, Civil servants, such as police officers, firefighters, and EMS, working on Christmas Day.

Individuals and families who prefer to-go meals. 

The event aims to create an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and belonging for every guest.

The Mission Lives On

The Bounty of Bethlehem's mission is a simple and powerful one: "No one should be alone on Christmas Day". This guiding principle has sustained the event for over 41 years, making it a cornerstone of the Henderson County community and a true embodiment of the holiday spirit.