Community Cares hosted its annual Christmas Day dinner. Local volunteers flooded the event, and over 300 people were served a free meal at the Utah State University Eastern’s Jennifer Leavitt Student Center, according to event organizer Brenda Deeter.
Volunteers focused on making the meal a special experience, “The dinner was very nicely put together. The tables were beautifully decorated, and people who came were seated and waited on like they had come to a fancy restaurant,” Patty Smith, a volunteer, said.
“I thought it was really successful. We delivered 47 meals to the homebound. We felt very fortunate and grateful for the community’s support. It was truly a Christmas miracle,” Stephanie Cha, a board member, explained.
Volunteers came from all age groups. There were many teens and children working at the event, “It was inspiring to see how many teenagers came to volunteer. They often are judged as lazy and selfish, but in reality they are very willing to serve,” added Smith.
Her son, Jackson Smith commented, “I was assigned to clean off people’s empty plates. They were so gracious and thankful.”
With all of the work over, the board is ready begin again, “This year’s dinner was bigger than last year, I look forward to working on next year. It is such a rewarding thing to do. So many people showed appreciation and joy at the event,” added Cha.
“I’d like to thank all of the volunteers that came out and helped. It makes such a big difference,”Cha added.
Community Cares lives up to its name
Guests were seated at their tables, and volunteers went the serving line to dish up their food for them. RENEE BANASKY - SUN ADVOCATE