Hospital Christmas dinner a success despite wintery weather

(Sentinel photo by Joyce Kaiser) Phyllis and Cliff Monroe, of Le Mars, enjoyed Floyd Valley Hospital's meal Christmas Day. The dinner is intended for senior citizens and others who don't have a place to go on Christmas Day. [Click to enlarge]

Kathy Massey, dietary manager at the hospital, estimated about 90 people including hospital staff, were served.

"We usually figure about 150 and do about 130," Massey said. "I think it was just the weather. It was probably wise for some of them to stay home."

Initially, about 150 people said they planned to attend the free Christmas Day meal, which the hospital has been offering more than 12 years, Massey said.

"Basically it's for the elderly, but we don't turn anyone away," she said. "It was for those who would be home alone during Christmas."

The dinner was served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the hospital's cafeteria with many of those passing through the line around 12:15 p.m., an observer noted.

Milt and Ruth Martin, of Le Mars, who ate at the dinner spoke of their enjoyment of the holiday fixings.

Milt said he liked the bread dressing the best.

"Everything is super," Ruth added.

The meal included turkey, ham, bread dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, lettuce salad, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie and a beverage.

"I was pleased," Massey said. "I think more people came than I actually expected with the weather."

Massey, who was in Sioux City and could not get to the dinner, commended her staff and volunteers for making the meal a success.

"My kitchen staff had everything under control and did a great job," Massey said. "They were the ones that really made it possible."

Massey said the volunteers also help serve the meal. Generally they have seven or eight, but due to weather had about four this year.

"We make do with who comes. They had a good time," Massey said. "Everyone got fed well."

The Christmas dinner is a way for the hospital to continue its policy of giving back to the community, she said.

"It's a good feeling for the staff to actually have helped their community by helping those who would have been home alone to share Christmas," Massey said.