After sending out a request for donations a few weeks ago, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau definitely is seeing support for its 20th-annual community Christmas dinner.
“People are starting to donate. We’ve got turkeys and various food items coming in, and, of course, we welcome the continuance of that,” committee co-ordinator Josie Patrick said yesterday.
“We contacted various businesses and they’re contributing, as well,” she added. “Everything’s moving smoothly ahead. The community’s starting to come together and to drop off donations of food and money.
“It’s going to be an excellent year.”
Wanted food items include turkeys, hams, buns, butter, cheese, gravy, frozen veggies, pickles, stuffing, desserts, cabbage rolls, perogies, coffee, and tea.
But, as Patrick said, “We will turn away nothing.”
With cash donations, dinner organizers can go out and buy the groceries themselves.
“The community and the businesses are just phenomenal. We can’t say enough about what they do for us,” enthused Patrick. “It’s very heart-warming.”
The community dinner will be held Tuesday, Dec. 25 at Knox United Church. It will start at noon and run until about 2 p.m.
The Volunteer Bureau also has a raffle going on right now, with proceeds earmarked for the community Christmas dinner.
Tickets, which cost $2 each or three for $5, are available at Betty’s, Pharmasave, and Causeway Insurance, as well as the Volunteer Bureau (located in the old CN station).
Volunteers also have been selling tickets at Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart on weekends.
The raffle prizes, which include a quilt donated by Winnie Rousseau, a gift basket with hand-painted stemware and other items, and a gift basket full of scrapbooking supplies, are on display at Causeway Insurance.
The draw will be made Dec. 20.
As well, the community dinner committee needs volunteers for jobs ranging from decorating and clean-up to cooking, serving food, and delivering “Meals on Wheels.”
“All they have to do is give us a quick call,” said Patrick, noting the Volunteer Bureau’s phone number is 274-9555.
Organizers also are looking into arranging music for the event.
Last year’s community Christmas dinner drew about 250 people. This included 42 “Meals on Wheels,” which volunteers delivered to local shut-ins.
Those who would like a meal delivered to them on Christmas Day should contact the Volunteer Bureau at least a couple of days beforehand.
Organizers also are arranging to provide a ride service for those who may need a lift to the church on Christmas Day.
To make a food or monetary donation, or to volunteer your time, call Patrick or event co-chair Debbie Bazylewski at 274-9555, or drop by the old CN station on Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
