As the holiday season draws near, two DeKalb groups are planning events to benefit the soul and the body.

McCabe’s is continuing its Christmas Day dinner tradition which began in 1982. McCabe’s owner Glen Goering said about 10 percent of NIU’s students are foreign, making a trip home for the holidays difficult. There are also the students who live too far away to make travel feasible, he said.

“The more, the merrier,” Goering said. He invites anyone who might be alone, or who wants to do something good this Christmas, to come.

Goering is no stranger to difficult times. The Christmas dinner tradition began as a result of a set back of his own. He said he went bankrupt in 1980 as a result of the new alcohol consumption laws. By 1982, when things began to look better, Goering thought the dinner would be a way to give thanks for his blessings.

The number in attendance has grown substantially each year, Goering said. He wants anyone in DeKalb to attend, not just for dinner, but to volunteer if possible.

Santa Claus will be there to give out presents to children. There also will be Christmas music and singing. The doors will open Christmas Day at noon, and dinner will be served at 1 p.m.

The McCabe’s dinner will feature turkey, yams, corn, cranberries, dessert and various beverages.

Anyone wishing to donate time or money can call Goering at 758-1896. He also has set up a fund for donations at the National Bank and Trust in Sycamore. Checks should read “Christmas Dinner Fund.”

Donations from last year’s dinner purchased about $1,000 worth of canned goods, said Goering. The canned goods are given to those attending to take home with them. The goods also are delivered to those who cannot make it to the dinner but call in. Call-in orders will be taken on Christmas Day at 758-1896.

The Newman Center also will ring in holiday cheer by sponsoring its 28th annual Christmas Benefit Dinner. The money raised by the center goes to building maintenance, and their counseling and educational programs, said Campus Ministries bookkeeper Rita Brown.

“Christmas Memories” is the theme of the dinner. It is planned for Dec. 2, and is preceeded by a 4:30 p.m. mass, which Brown said is “pretty special.”

The dinner costs $30 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the center at 758-6667. Attire is either formal or semi-formal.