Christmas Friendship Dinner needs volunteers

It's time to spread some Christmas joy into people's lives, and that's the reason a small group of people are meeting every Sunday afternoon, planning the largest Christmas party in the Valley.

The Christmas Friendship Dinner is in its 12th year, and every holiday season, it is one of the brightest events. People from around the Valley can go to Wasilla High School to share Christmas with others.

Many people have no other place to go for Christmas dinner, while many others come simply to visit with others and share the holiday. The true sense of community can be found at the Christmas Friendship Dinner every Dec. 25.

Organizers are already starting to plan this year's dinner. The planning committee meets every Sunday at 3 p.m. at Country Kitchen in Wasilla, and more volunteers are needed to help get the event planned. Organizers said volunteers are needed to do everything from soliciting donations to preparing food to working with Santa's elves to help deliver meals and presents. Those wanting to volunteer can contact Jim and Elsie Oliver at 373-3561 or 232-0857.

The event is funded entirely by donations and in-kind donations of gifts and services, which are given away as presents during the event.

Last year, a volunteer checked at Valley Hospital for any children who would be spending Christmas day at the hospital. There was one boy, so the volunteer took presents to the hospital. When she delivered the gifts, the boy mentioned that there was another young child who was just admitted. He picked up one of the unwrapped gifts and asked her to take it across the hall to the new child.