Decorators needed to ‘deck the hall’

Planning is underway for this year’s Creemore Community Christmas Dinner, an inclusive local holiday tradition.

Organizers are calling on volunteers to help “deck the hall” with decorations on Saturday, Nov. 15, in time for a number of festive events leading up to Christmas. The decorating will happen between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Held since 2001, the Creemore Community Christmas Dinner attracts a wide array of people – volunteers who love to cook and others who love to decorate; empty-nesters whose children are away; grandparents whose family gatherings are on another day; people new to town; families that need greater table space; people who simply enjoy being with their neighbours on a festive occasion. All are welcome.

Last year’s event provided 70 meals and purchased gifts for 14 Creedan Valley residents without family.

Organizer Donna Baylis said she is thrilled to have Master Chef Elf Jim Henderson back for a 16th year.

Baylis encourages diners to register as early as possible so food quantities can be calculated.

Special arrangements such as food requests, rides or meal deliveries can be arranged upon request.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 25. Non-perishable food items, gift cards and donations will be accepted at the dinner for the St. Luke’s Community Food Bank.

With a view to staging another terrific event, elves are needed to set- up, prepare and serve the meal, clean- up after dinner, and then take down the decorations. Specific duties include: Six Food Prep Elves on Christmas Eve Day (Dec. 24, from 10 a.m.) – bring your own paring knife; Six Table Setting Elves on Christmas Eve Day (Dec. 24, from 1 p.m.); Two Dessert Prep Elves on Christmas Day (Dec. 25, from noon.); Six Dinner Elves to help Master Chef Elf Jim on Christmas Day (Dec. 25 from 11 a.m.); Four Pickup/ Delivery Elves (Dec. 25 from 5 p.m.; Four After-dinner Clean-up Elves (Dec. 25); Pack-away Elves on Dec. 26 from 11 a.m. until finished). Elves are also needed to take photographs of the action.

To volunteer contact Baylis at 705- 466-2523 or CreemoreChristmasElf@ gmail.com.

Organizers are accepting pay-what- you-can donations at the dinner to help cover the costs. Financial contributions can be made through the following account: TD Bank “Community Christmas Dinner” Account #2320 0330-5202657 or via online Interac transfer to CreemoreChristmasElf@ gmail.com.