|
Still serving Christmas dinner |
The couple who started feeding the community on Christmas Day will need to step back this year, but the free Christmas dinner at the Milaca Town Hall will still be served.
For the past five years, Tim and Vickie Johnson have been providing a free Christmas meal for anyone interested.
The couple will still be accepting phone calls from those wanting a ride or a meal delivered, but they’re relying on their neighbors and friends to take over the bulk of the work this year.
Just before Thanksgiving, the Johnsons learned Tim has prostate cancer.
The couple that has opened their hearts to help others, because “Jesus is the reason,” are the ones in need of prayers and support this year.
Every year has had its story that have included enormous turkeys, three-legged dogs, mashed potato messes, and medical issues.
Last year, Vickie’s mother passed away before the holidays and Vickie wasn’t sure she could go forward with the dinner. But her mother’s last wish was for her daughter to continue what she and her husband started.
What began as an invitation to a few people who were alone on Christmas, has turned into a major community event - giving over 300 people a place to go on Christmas Day.
A place to enjoy food, visit with old friends and meet new ones. A place to be together.
Dinner’s at noon
Sheila Geist has agreed to coordinate things for this year’s event, which will likely meet or exceed last year’s dinner in which 350 meals were served and delivered.
It’s an overwhelming task to take on, but Geist said, “It means so much to them and to the community.”
So Geist and some neighbors will be preparing the food that the Johnsons have already purchased.
Turkey and ham will be on the menu, along with all the trimmings.
There will be horse-drawn sleigh rides and entertainment as well.
But what the dinner is in need of is dessert - preferably bars and cookies. If you can donate, contact the Johnsons.
“There’s no reason to be alone on Christmas,” Vickie has said each year.
You can take her up on her invitation by stopping at the Milaca Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 25 at noon.
Editor’s note: If you need a meal delivered or a ride to the dinner, leave a message at the Johnson residence at 320-983-5150. Remember to leave your name, address and telephone number.
 |
