As families everywhere are sitting around the Christmas tree on Christmas morning, opening gifts, sipping hot cocoa and savoring the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, a large group of community volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to share Christmas with others.
Next Monday, Dec. 25, marks the 14th Annual Community Christmas Dinner hosted by Zion Lutheran Church, 1000 Washington Avenue, Cloquet. The event is free to everyone and set to take place from 2-4 p.m.
"The goal is to make Christmas a little 'brighter' for those in our community who wish to share this fellowship," said Zion's Congregational Ministry Committee member Dave Johnson.
The annual dinner is funded through donations from community businesses, individuals, service clubs, fraternal organizations and many others. The donated funds provide the food, decorations, give-away packs and transportation to the dinner for those in the Cloquet area otherwise unable to share in the fellowship and meal.
The Christmas Day dinner can also be delivered to area homes for those who normally receive Meals on Wheels or who are residents of local assisted living facilities, or anyone who would like a hot holiday meal. To have a meal delivered, or for arrangements to be transported to the church for dinner, call 879-4647.
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According to Johnson, last year over 400 meals were served at the event. About a third of last year's meals were delivered to people unable to come to the church for the meal. This year the group is hoping to increase that number to 500.
Volunteers are still needed for help with decorating, meal preparation, serving, entertainment and cleanup. Call the church office at 879-4647 if you are willing to help. Donations are always welcome as well and can be sent to: Christmas Day Dinner Fund, Zion Lutheran Church, 1000 Washington Avenue, Cloquet, MN 55720.
