Santa comes to dinner
CONNELLSVILLE – Just as dawn had given some light to the Connellsville streets, several elves entered the Salvation Army Center and began preparations for the Friday Christmas dinner that would be served later that day. Dressed in the holiday colors of red and green, the elves filled the ovens with several hams, scalloped potatoes and rolls and just a little after nine the aromas spilled into the dining hall.
Patty Handford, chief elf and center unit secretary, said that her assistants, Jim Smith, Mabel Stamates, Connie Cricco, Yvonne Glasso, Betty Reed and Bob Nicholson had done some preliminary work the day before, and with their early morning arrival all was ready for the annual Christmas dinner that would be served to nearly 200 over the next several hours.
“Christmas dinner is a little easier,” said Handford. “You just slice the hams and put them in the oven.
“With the turkeys at Thanksgiving, I pick them up at the store and bring them here; then I take them to the (Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center) where the students cook them and then I bring them back (to the Salvation Army center) where they are sliced and served.”
Handford said that she anticipated a larger crowd this year in comparison to last year’s event.
“We’re feeding more people every day, so I expect there will be more here today,” she said.
Later this month, the center will distribute 285 food baskets to needy families and toys for under the Christmas tree.
Handford said that the ability to meet the needs of local families comes from the generosity of area businesses, organizations and churches.
“I don’t know what we would do without the Connellsville Moose,” she said. “If I need something, I know I can pick up the telephone and call John Truxal and he’ll find a way to get it to us. Central Fellowship Church, too, is always there for us.
“The South Connellsville Rod and Gun Club donated the hams for today’s dinner; Highlands Hospital Local 2340 helped us with groceries and gift cards for their meat at Thanksgiving.
“Wal-Mart, Seven Springs Resort and Family Dollar has helped us provide toys; we really do have a very generous community.”
The Friday dinner, meanwhile, will draw other elves to assist with the serving and clean up duties, said Handford.
“The Shugarts from Youngwood will be here and Betty McLuckey will come to help; they always do,” she added.
Handford said that Santa Claus, too, was scheduled to stop by to join in the celebration. “This is what the spirit of Christmas is all about,” said Handford. “When you do something kind for someone, it always makes your holiday better.”