More donations, volunteers needed for Christmas dinner

Now just two weeks away, the annual community Christmas dinner put on by the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau is shaping up nicely.
“I’m getting a little excited because this my first one,” said Karen Haney, assistant co-ordinator for the Volunteer Bureau.
“People have been calling, asking about it,” she added. “I personally know of several families that plan on coming. It’s a popular event.”
The dinner—which will run from noon-2 p.m. on Christmas Day at Knox United Church here—is a group effort made possible with both helping hands and donations of food.
And while there’s been many offering aid of all sorts, a little more help still is needed.
“We’re looking for hams. We could use a turkey or two, but they’ve been coming in well,” Haney noted. “We need bags of frozen vegetables. Jars of pickles would be nice.
“And dainties are always handy.”
She added some other desirable donations would a bag of flour and a few jellied salads.
“We have volunteers calling, wanting to help deliver ‘Meals on Wheels’ and other things. But we’re always looking for more,” Haney said.
Every year, dozens of volunteers are needed to set up for the dinner, cook the food, serve, deliver “Meals on Wheels,” and help clean up afterwards.
The event also seems to be getting increasingly popular year after year, seeing a mix of people who might not have family to share the holiday with as well as those who simply want to socialize with fellow citizens on a very special occasion.
Last year’s community Christmas dinner, for instance, drew about 220 people—20 more than the year before.
As always, the free dinner is open to anyone who wants to attend, said Haney.
Jackie and Gerry Guimond will provide the entertainment again this year. Children also can keep occupied watching a video or colouring.
Haney said those who wish to attend the dinner but don’t have a vehicle, or cannot afford a cab, either can call the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau and leave a message (274-9555) or call North Air Services’ “Dial-a-Ride” program (274-9741).
When calling “Dial-a-Ride,” be sure to tell the dispatcher you are going to Knox United Church for the Christmas dinner so they can bill the Volunteer Bureau.