The ovens were turned on at 6:00 a.m. Volunteers from Rowlett, Fannin County, Whitewright and Sherman began arriving and we were off and running on December 25. Three hundred and thirty-four traditional Christmas dinner meals were delivered to Fannin county residents homes Christmas day and over 75 residents were fed at the Family Life Center. Ninety-five volunteers showed up to help prepare food, deliver meals, entertain, and clean up. It was a tremendous day of teamwork and giving.
Daniella Rivera, the youth leader of the dinner said, “It was overwhelming, how it all came together. The Kimberlin family came in from Whitewright to manage the kitchen. People were still calling Christmas Eve, wanting to know if they could help. In the years we've been organizing this event, we've never had so many volunteers call. We usually have a lot of seniors, singles and couples who help us. This year a tremendous team of families joined the rest of us, working together, sharing the experience as families. The Montana children came in from Ravenna and played guitar and sang. Guests stayed longer and enjoyed the entertainment.”
Without the help and support of the Methodist Church, donating the Family Life Center, businesses and organizations donating finances, SNAP centers and other help agencies connecting us to homebound residents, church ladies donating delicious homemade desserts, media outlets helping us get the word out, and the volunteers who come Christmas Day, we wouldn't be able to do this.
The Four Corners 4-H youth and families organize and get the ball rolling, everyone comes out and lends a hand and over 400 people are fed and have an opportunity to share Christmas Day with someone, residents who otherwise would be alone and hungry. Everyone’s role is vital. Four Corners 4-H youth says a big “thank you” for standing with us and making a difference in the lives of Fannin county residents on the day of the year most symbolic for giving.
Joel, Aaron and Benjamin Aukes serve Christmas Dinner