Duane Hicks
With Christmas less than two weeks away, preparations for the 25th-annual Community Christmas Dinner are well underway.
But volunteers still are needed for the dinner, which is slated from noon-2 p.m. on Dec. 25 at Knox United Church.
Lead organizer Karen Mitchell said all of the “Meals on Wheels” volunteers are in place, but she still needs people to help out at the event itself.
“We’re taking volunteers for hourly shifts and half-hour shifts,” she noted.
She added organizers will try to accommodate volunteers as to when they can work, but it is necessary to make a schedule so there aren’t too many volunteers showing up at one time and then none around later on.
Even just one hour of people’s time would be appreciated, stressed Mitchell.
High school students can earn their volunteer hours needed to graduate by lending a hand.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to call Gaby Hanzuk at 274-3764.
“Meals on Wheels” once again will be delivered to those who can’t attend the dinner in person, starting at 11 a.m.
To have a meal delivered, call Hanzuk (274-3764) or June Caul (274-2209) by Dec. 21.
Meanwhile, Mitchell said food donations for the dinner have been going well, adding Saturday’s “Stuff-A-Cruiser” initiative supplied all of the turkeys and hams that will be needed.
“We still have a few things to get,” she noted, adding monetary donations are helpful to get “the last-minute things.”
Mitchell noted local businesses have been supportive. Canada Safeway, for instance, once again has volunteered to cook turkeys for the dinner while Walmart said it will help out with supplies.
To donate, call the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau at 274-9555 or Hanzuk (274-3764).
A lot of hard work goes into the dinner—from Mitchell’s leg work leading up to the weekend before Christmas to decorating the church hall on Dec. 23.
As well, volunteers have to peel 100 pounds of potatoes on Christmas Eve, and then cook and serve up the food on Christmas Day.
But the dinner is appreciated, regularly seeing about 200 people attend.
In fact, Mitchell said she’s expecting at least a few more new faces this year given the recent layoffs at the local mill.
The Community Christmas Dinner is free and open to anyone who wants to attend.
Music will be provided by Diane Maxey and some of the Fort Frances Choraliers.
And with this being the 25th anniversary of the event, there will be a big birthday cake for dessert.
