Although many stores and government buildings will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day, there are still places serving up warm meals or preparing craft projects and movies.
Here are a handful of local places that will be open to the public and hosting free, or low cost, activities and meals.
The ARCHES Project
From 11a.m. to 1 p.m., The ARCHES Project in downtown Salem is providing warm handmade meals. The meal, which will be made by staff members, will be available in the Arches’ day center at its location at 615 Commercial St. N.E.
More information is available online.
Radness Ensues
Radness Ensues, a Keizer community center, is hosting a dinosaur-themed Christmas party for the community, including a movie marathon, snacks and a chance to chat with others about difficulties during the holiday season. Cozy pajamas are encouraged but not required and people are free to bring their own snacks. The party starts at 11 a.m. and goes until midnight. The community center is located at 3837 River Rd N.
During the party, local artist Becka Makes Buttons will be hosting the weekly button craft station. The craft day, which starts at 11 a.m., features a low cost button making station for people of all ages. The craft station will be open until 11:55 p.m. and is inside Radness Ensues, 3837 River Rd N.
Information is available on Radness Ensues’ online calendar.
Recovery Outreach Community Center
Join Salem’s Recovery Outreach Community Center for a day of movies and desserts. The community center, located 1190 Broadway St. N.E., will be open on Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center is a peer-run community focused on supporting people in recovery from addiction and mental illness. People are welcome throughout the day to watch the movie marathon and enjoy pie and cake.
Salem Soup Squad
On Christmas Day, the Salem Soup Squad will distribute meals to people in Wallace Marine Park. The Soup Squad regularly provides free food, toiletries and other necessities in Wallace Marine Park and Marion Square Park. The squad will be at Wallace Marine on Christmas Day from 2-4 p.m. Sign-ups to make food are full, but anyone is welcome to come and eat or bring items and treats to share.
Union Gospel Mission
Union Gospel Mission is providing its usual breakfast, lunch and dinner during the day on Wednesday. Meals will be available at the men’s and women’s shelters, at the usual times which are available on the organization’s website. The men’s shelter is located at 777 Commercial St. N.E. and the women and children’s shelter is at 5119 River Rd. N.
River Church
The River Church is offering a free Christmas Day meal from 2-4 p.m. with homemade food made by church members. Members of the River Church may bring food to donate up until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Sign up to bring food here. The church is located at 4675 Portland Rd. N.E. Suite 190.
Optional registration for the event is available online.
Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].
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Madeleine Moore is working as a reporter at Salem Reporter through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden internship program. She came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
