With boxes of turkeys and potatoes, City Furniture dropped off its annual donation to the Williams Lake Salvation Army for its Community Christmas Dinner.
It was Dec. 15 when the goods were wheeled into the Salvation Army, and included 17 turkeys, a case of celery, 16 bags of frozen mixed vegetables, five large bags of frozen peas, 150lb of potatoes, four jugs of milk, packs of gravy mix and a bucket of margarine.
The annual Christmas dinner takes place Dec. 22 at noon at the Salvation Army. In past years, about 200 people have attended, although this year they expect more as community need has increased, said Tamara Robinson, the director of family services and community outreach at the Salvation Army, noting their food bank is up by about 30 per cent.
The sit-down meal will be served by the RCMP, fire department, local politicians and other community members who volunteer their time. The dining room will be decorated and LeRae Haynes will play live music.
“Thank you to City Furniture. They’ve been sponsoring our Christmas dinner for years,” said Robinson.
The Christmas dinner is for Williams Lake and the surrounding areas, and anyone is welcome to come.
“The emphasis of Christmas is a time of joy and hope and that’s what we want to embody that day,” said Jessica Hoeft, the Salvation Army’s pastor and executive director.
Rami Pannu from City Furniture helped deliver the grocery items with Sam (Sahil) Saini and said City Furniture has donated food for the Christmas dinner to the Salvation Army since 2015.
“We believe in giving to the community. Since we’ve been here, the community has been very good to us,” said Rami.
In a statement City Furniture provided, they said the event is very near to their hearts, one they are happy to support. They also thanked all the volunteers who contribute and the community for shopping locally.
The Salvation Army also thanked the many volunteers who step out to help.
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