The St. Mary’s Christmas Dinner organizers say thank you to the “Christmas elves” who helped feed over 70 seniors on Christmas Day. Here’s a note and some photos from JoAnn Kirkland and Tom Hundgen:
Unfortunately, we could not meet in person again this year, but our volunteers rocked, most of them promising to help again next year and thanking us for letting them be a part of the festivities. the Rev. Charles McCarron, dressed in a whimsical Santa shirt (as was chef Tom Hundgen), oversaw the event with his usual benevolent spirit.
The weather didn’t cooperate again this year, no White Christmas and soaking rain, but our delivery teams forged ahead, and no one was left unfed.
A special shout-out to angel-voiced Jeanne Woods, who made all of those phone calls and still had time to cook a massive quantity of mashed potatoes and helped deliver with Thom Milton. And to her granddaughters, Kelly and Kayla Ostermann, who taught Jeanne how to use Google docs, invaluable to our collaboration.
Our other drivers included Kathy Lynch in a Santa suit and Sebastian Quigley-Dunning, who stepped in at the last minute to drive the new Toyota 4Runner sleigh; Jim and Margaret Colligan, Lucy Browne and Mike Russo, Judy and Michelle Card, Katie and Kevin Springer, and family.
Our inside elves included “strong like bull” Ceil Surerus, BJ Ianfolla and Andy Reeve, Jackie Smith, Leah White, the Rev. Peter DeSanctis, and the fabulous Fairbairn family: Rob, Esme, Luke, and Patrick, who said it was the best part of their Christmas Day.
Once again this year, Janine Mahoney gathered construction paper cards, handmade by the Shelter Island School students and their teachers, always a favorite part. Special thanks to Sara Mundy, who is always ready to help. Proving the axiom, “if you need something done, ask a busy person,” Pam Pospisil, Kim Atkins, Leith Surerus, Kristin Payano, Louise Clark, and Lynn Coolidge baked cookies and made vegetables.
Our “corporate sponsors” Vine Street Café and Sep’s Farm ensured the seniors ate many veggies. And a big thank you to the Senior Citizens Foundation of Shelter Island and everyone else who made donations.
Thank you all. It was the best part of our Christmas, too!
