Donations flooding in for Christmas dinner

With the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau’s 19th-annual community Christmas dinner now only a little over two weeks away, organizers are seeing local businesses and individuals already are in the spirit of giving.
“People are just coming out the woodwork,” executive director Denise Audette said this morning. “The community always comes together for this event.”
She added individuals have been giving donations, either food or cash, on a regular basis, and that organizers are well on their way to getting what they need for the Dec. 25 dinner.
The committee has looked at what’s been required previously and made a list of food they’ll need. While some of the more pricey items, like turkeys and hams, have been donated, four or five more of each are still needed.
Audette added they also still need butter, cheese, gravy, frozen veggies, pickles, stuffing, desserts, cabbage (for coleslaw), coffee, and tea.
She stressed no potatoes, squash, and turnips or buns are needed.
Donors also are welcome to give money so organizers can go out and buy the groceries themselves.
Audette also noted many volunteers—who are needed to do everything from decorating and clean-up to cooking, serving food, and delivering “Meals on Wheels”—have stepped up to plate, but anyone else who wants to lend a helping hand on Christmas Day won’t be turned away.
“Our phone has been ringing. Again, people are just superb. This community is awesome,” she remarked.
As previously reported, the popular event has been moved to the New Beginnings Fellowship (located beside the Lakeview trailer court) this year. It will take place from noon-2 p.m.
Audette said planning for the dinner is well underway.
“We’re well on our way to setting up. We’ve haven’t started setting up, but we’re organizing where everything’s going,” she said.
“Our entertainment lineup is coming along well,” added Audette. “Diane [Maxey] and June [Caul] have been working away on that, and that’s going as scheduled.
“So there will be musical entertainment throughout the dinner.”
Last year’s dinner drew about 300 people and this Christmas likely will draw at least that many.
The dinner is for everybody—whether they’re people who might not have family to share the holiday with or those who simply want to socialize with fellow citizens on a very special occasion.
Dozens of “Meals on Wheels” also are delivered to local residents that day.
Audette said those who would like a meal delivered to them on Christmas Day should contact the Volunteer Bureau at least a couple of days beforehand.
The same goes for anyone who may need a ride to the church.
To make food or monetary donations, to volunteer your time, or to arrange for a ride or meal delivery, call Audette at 274-9555 or drop by the old CN station Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.