Community-minded elves bustled in the Park Rapids American Legion on Christmas Day, readying a holiday feast for all.
Wet and icy roads made for a slow start to the 35th annual Community Christmas Dinner.
Co-organizers Sara Gallus and sister Lori Cannon partner with their dad Dennis Anderson and Lynn Spilman, plus a contingent of veteran volunteers, to host 1,000 people.
Their motto is “no one should spend Christmas Day hungry or alone.”
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Gallus estimated 350 meals were delivered to the homebound. A couple requests came from as far away as Laporte and Nevis, she said.
The dinner originally was started by the Bob Kriss family, who owned the Great Northern Cafe.
Anderson and Spilman took over from the Krisses. They turned the reins over to Gallus and Cannon, but you’ll still find them busily working each Christmas day.
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“The girls have taken over, but we’re still supportive,” Anderson said. “You don’t want it to fall by the wayside.”
The kitchen crew voiced appreciation for Anderson and Spilman’s knowledge.
“Well, knowledge can be replaced,” said a humble Anderson. “We’ve got enough that have been here so long, they can take over, no problem.”
Anderson dished hot turkey and ham into hundreds of to-go containers on Monday.
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Spilman was the “gravy girl.” “You just keep making it until you don’t need it anymore,” she said.
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Ross and Melissa Keskitalo are longtime volunteers. They estimated it has been about 15 years. This year, they were prepping meals to-go.
“When the boys were little, they came with us,” Melissa said.
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They were originally recruited by Ross’ sister-in-law, Becky Maninga.
“It was a way to get our boys involved in volunteering. You know that, it’s not all about me, but it’s about helping,” Melissa added.
Gary Holk and Gary Esser are regular attendees at the community banquet.
“This is my hometown. I was born and raised here,” Holk said. He’s been enjoying the dinner for the past 20 years, with his good friend, Esser.
There was no charge for the meal, but freewill offerings were welcome.
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Proceeds above and beyond the cost of the dinner are donated to nonprofits in the Park Rapids area.
