Some people hope for books, cookies, chocolate, clothes, or games for Christmas.
Diana Simonds hoped for an early end to the pre-trial hearing of her son who was killed last year.
Having lost her son, the Orillia resident said she has no family with which to celebrate this holiday.
So, she came out to volunteer at the free Christmas turkey dinner served by the St. James’ Anglican Church held at noon on Christmas Day.
“I do this so I can bring a smile to other people’s faces and also uplift myself,” said Simonds, who donned an elf costume to serve dozens of guests who dined at the church.
“Since I’ve been back and involved with my church family, it’s helped distract me,” she said, adding you don’t ever get over the pain of the loss of a son.
It wasn’t just the plate filled with peas, corn, carrots, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey topped with gravy, that brought people out to the church, it was also the ability to be around others that attracted them.
“I know a lot of people here and I make a lot of friends when I come out here,” said Ron Hadley of Orillia. “We talk about our lives and share ideas about how to find counselling and accommodations.”
His friend, Robert Todish, agreed wholeheartedly.
“That’s what I like about it,” he said. “You can’t be sitting at home on Christmas. It’s not good for the heart and soul.”
The two companions and Lighthouse clients said when they come out to the church dinner, they socialize, meet with friends, wish everyone 'Merry Christmas' and get hugs.
Barrie resident Michael Shaughnessy said the church sees the needs in the community and it answers.
“St. James’ church is extremely charitable,” he said. “They only know how to give to people in need.”
Robin Gibson thought it was a great opportunity for people to get together for some good food.
“We sometimes come out for the loonie lunches, too,” he said. “We’re on fixed income so sometimes money is tight. This brings out people who can’t have Christmas with others.”
And the meal isn’t just for people who cannot afford to buy themselves the food, it’s also for those without family or seniors who live by themselves, said Christine Blair, dining room coordinator at the church.
The 14 turkeys and vegetables for the meal were purchased from a donation given by a local group, she said.
The meal is a grand undertaking that requires efforts from more than a hundred volunteers, who come over three days to prep and cook the meal, which is served by 15 other volunteers on Christmas Day.
“Some of the volunteers are lonely, too,” said Blair. “They will book in October to come serve for the Christmas dinner.”
Some people have done this for years, whereas others, such as Patsy-Anne Gibson, were doing it for the first time. She said she was getting a chance to learn life lessons by serving people dinner.
“I’m learning how to take initiative and responsibility,” said Patsy-Anne Gibson. “It helps me work up courage and not feel anxious talking to people.”
The 14-year-old said the experience also taught her that if one doesn’t try, one doesn’t learn.
“Coming out here and serving my family and other people is kind of fun, too,” said Patsy-Anne.
Blair said it all comes to a head on Christmas Day but the congregation joins hands way before to try and make the day memorable for select families in the area.
“We do Christmas hampers and give away gifts and food to about 40 families,” she said.
Children in the families are asked to provide a wish list, which is shared with congregation members, who pick out items they can buy.
“Each kid ends up getting one item from the wish list,” said Blair. “And there are always mitts and hats to be given away.”
And it doesn’t matter if they’re volunteering time on their own Christmas Day, seeing the smiles on people faces makes it all worth it, she said.
