Community Corner
Somerset County 4-H Association Spreads Cheer This Holiday Season
Through socially distanced planning, a small team of volunteers was able to distribute more than 150 meal packages on Christmas Day.
Press release from Somerset County 4-H:
Jan. 4, 2021
With many community members disconnected from friends and family this season, the Somerset County 4-H Association's Annual Community Holiday Dinner creator and organizer Sue McCombie knew just how important it would be this year to spread holiday cheer.
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But with her indoor event averaging around 120 guests annually, including volunteers, she knew she needed to adapt in order to keep everyone safe while spreading holiday joy. "We were excited to finally have a plan that could keep everyone safe, while also providing a volunteer opportunity for Somerset County 4-H'ers during the holidays," stated Sue McCombie.
Working together with other Somerset County 4-H members and volunteers, Sue began planning a drive through holiday dinner where anyone in the community could place an order for a free lasagna dinner along with dessert. "Our family has enjoyed helping with the holiday dinner for several years, but this year was particularly special and meaningful," stated volunteer Jill Brochinsky.
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Most of the food was donated through members of the community, as well as local businesses including the Bridgewater Wegmans which has donated goods every year since the event's inception. The year, participants were greeted with an extra gift of beautiful poinsettias which were donated through the generosity of Hionis Greenhouses.
Through socially distanced planning and organization, a small team of volunteers were able to distribute over 150 meal packages on December 25th, 2020. Both Sue McCombie and the Somerset County 4-H Association are greatly looking forward to hopefully being able to get back together in-person for the 2021 holiday season.
"We think this year's holiday community dinner was a great success and are extremely proud of all the volunteers who helped spread a little happiness this season," said Somerset County 4-H agent Lisa Rothenburger.
Those interested in becoming a member of Somerset County 4-H, or volunteering in future events and fundraisers, can do so by heading to their website at 4histops.org.
This press release was produced by Somerset County 4-H. The views expressed here are the author's own.
