Duane Hicks
While Christmas is still two months away, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau already has started working on its 23rd-annual Community Christmas Dinner—and is looking for donations and volunteers to once again make it a reality.
Head organizer Karen Mitchell said Monday the popular event definitely is going to happen.
Knox United Church has been booked for Saturday, Dec. 25 and she’s already sent out letters to local businesses asking for their support.
As in past years, she’s looking for turkeys, hams, stuffing, sugar packets, flour, tea, coffee, and dessert.
She also needs one door prize gift each for a man, woman, boy, and girl.
Mitchell said the dinner depends on donations of food and money to make it happen, with the latter used to purchase any food or supplies that are not donated.
“In order for me to have enough stuffing to feed everybody that’s coming, I have to have $300 just for stuffing,” she offered as an example.
“It’s cheaper to buy the box than try to make it. Plus, I don’t have the time,” she reasoned.
Even at this early stage, Mitchell said she’s already getting positive responses from some businesses that have agreed to donate food or have pledged money.
“I was quite surprised,” she admitted. “That takes a load off of trying to dig up money here for stuff that doesn’t come in.
Mitchell added she’s set a goal for herself to have everything in place for the dinner by Dec. 10.
While a core group of volunteers comes together to make the dinner happen each year, Mitchell noted new helping hands also are needed—after all, the more volunteers, the better.
Volunteers can help out in many ways, whether it’s cooking, setting up, or take-down. But Mitchell said she really needs people to work during the dinner to keep the tables clean, clear away dishes from where people have eaten, and then get the table settings ready for the next wave of guests.
She noted set-up should be a little easier this year because with Christmas falling on a Saturday, organizers will be able to start getting ready at the church a full two days beforehand.
Those wanting to donate or volunteer can contact Mitchell at 274-9555 as soon as possible. A taxable receipt for donations will be issued upon request.
Despite a big snowstorm on Christmas Eve, last year’s dinner drew more than 150 people, with another 58 local residents receiving “Meals on Wheels.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the dinner, which will run from noon-2 p.m.
Mitchell said those who have attended in the past can expect the same community event they’ve come to expect, with Diane Maxey and her Fort Frances Choraliers again slated to provide the musical entertainment.
