Duane Hicks
Plans are in motion for a Christmas Day event many local residents look forward to each year.
The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau will be hosting the 30th-annual Christmas dinner from noon-2 p.m. at Knox United Church here.
“Things are starting to come together,” said executive director Matt Soprovich, noting the major focus right now is on donations of food or money necessary to make the event possible.
“Food donations of items such as turkey, ham, and stuffing are always much-appreciated,” he remarked.
“Monetary donations to help purchase perishables and items not donated are also very valuable and much-appreciated, as well,” added Soprovich.
Charitable receipts are available upon request.
A donation letter was sent out to local businesses about a week ago.
“The businesses have always come forward; there’s some that come forward every year and we really appreciate everything they do to help make this a success,” Soprovich stressed.
“There’s a lot of people around the community that have come to expect this; they rely on it,” he noted.
“This is their meal, this is part of their Christmas experience, and we’re happy to provide that.”
If you would like to make a donation, contact the Volunteer Bureau at 274-9555.
The Christmas dinner also will get a boost from the annual “Stuff-A-Cruiser” campaign being held this Saturday (Dec. 9) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Safeway, The Place, and Walmart here, Cloverleaf Grocery in Emo, and Beaver Mills Market in Rainy River.
“We have a couple of our board members and myself volunteering,” noted Soprovich, adding a portion of the food collected that day will go to the community dinner.
Turkeys, hams, and 96 boxes of Stove Top stuffing is on the Christmas list he’s been given by Judy Kielczewski, who once again will be running the kitchen on Christmas Day.
Another way to help out is to volunteer.
Soprovich said a core group of experienced volunteers, led by Kielczewski, are ready to make the event happen on Dec. 25, but more helping hands are welcome.
Jobs could range from decorating and setting up at the church before the dinner to serving food during it and cleaning up afterwards.
“If someone’s looking to get involved, please give us a call at 274-9555 and we’ll try to slot people in as best we can,” said Soprovich.
As in past years, the community Christmas dinner will be free and open to everybody.
It usually draws 200-plus people from all walks of life. Some do not have family here to share the holiday with while others simply want to socialize with their fellow citizens and embrace the spirit of fellowship.
Some people come individually or in couples while some entire families attend.
Thanks to renovations at Knox United Church in recent years, the venue now is fully-accessible–opening up the Christmas dinner to more people than before at that location.
Those who can’t attend the dinner in person, for whatever reason, can have a Christmas meal delivered to them via “Meals on Wheels.”
If you need a meal delivered to you, contact June Caul at 274-2209 to arrange for it.
About 70 people get “Meals on Wheels” delivered to them every Christmas Day.
