Nobody should be alone on Christmas. Likewise, financial woes shouldn’t hold a family back from enjoying a Christmas feast fit for a king. That’s the idea behind the United Church of Garretson’s free dinner on Christmas Day.
For ten years now the United Methodist Church of Garretson has hosted their annual free Christmas Dinner, taking it over from the Olfson’s.
Event organizer Margie Martens invites anyone who wants to come and join in Christmas fellowship to attend. The dinner will be held at noon, at the United Church Fellowship hall at 501 Essex Street on Dec. 25.
“It was first started back in 2005 by the Cookie Jar and Paul and Joyce Olfson,” said Margie Martens, former editor and publisher of this newspaper and an active member at the Garretson United Methodist Church. “They hosted it until 2007 when they asked us if we would take it over, and we were happy to do it.”
“Everybody pitches in and helps to cook the meal, the turkeys, fixings and desserts. It’s a community effort and it’s appreciated by everyone who attends,” Martens said. “Maybe you don’t have plans for Christmas, maybe your finances are difficult, and then you can let us do the cooking. We have families that we see every year who plan to make this event simply a part of their Christmas celebration. Some people want to contribute to the cost of the meal and that’s perfectly alright, but it’s by no means required. Whatever money is donated goes to a good cause, but we don’t plan the event as a fundraiser. Its goal is simple, Christmas fellowship for one and all. Anyone who wants to come is welcome, all ages, professions and walks of life, from parties of one to whole families. We only ask that if you can let us know ahead of time that you’re planning to attend, that way we have an idea of how much food to prepare.”
The dinner will be hosted on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 at noon at the United Church Fellowship Hall. Call Margie at 594- 3863 to confirm.
“Our goal is to share Christmas blessings and we hope to see you there!”
(Martens is former editor and publisher of the Garretson Weekly and an active member at the Garretson United Methodist Church.)
