Santa Claus and his wife will take to the chimney a little early this year.
On Thursday evening at the United Church, they are handing out presents to the less fortunate in St. Albert and some Canadian newcomers.
All that comes with carols, portraits and a full turkey dinner.
It’s the second annual Christmas banquet put on by organizers Cara Parenteau and Suzan Krecsy.
Krecsy, director at the St. Albert Food Bank, said the United Church seats about 150 people. And if they need to, they’ll squeeze in some more, she said.
“It’s not specifically just for our clients but it can be someone else,” she said.
“The whole idea was, in case that there is a senior who does not have anyone to sit down with for Christmas dinner, they could be invited too.”
The idea to have the supper started a little over a year ago.
Parenteau had previously volunteered at the annual Christmas Day Banquet in Edmonton and thought St. Albert could use a similar event.
The administrative assistant with the St. Albert Family and Community Support Services gathered some co-workers and spoke to her church, the Cornerstone Pentecostal Fellowship, as well as to Krecsy.
Together they organized the first Christmas banquet with about 40 community volunteers and just as many dinner guests.
This year they are adding some more entertainment, including a musical performance by the St. Albert Singers.
“We provide the meal for free and I also have my sister and her husband coming to take professional pictures and the guests can leave with portraits of their family,” she said.
Charlie Schroder, president of the board of the food bank and member of the St. Albert Rotary Club, said the club had worked with the food bank before, financing projects and renovations.
This year they are supplying the gifts, along with the Salvation Army, and providing volunteers in the preparation and distribution of the turkey dinner.
“The whole process is to help people and to help them attain a measure of dignity,” said Charlie Schroder.
“This is one of the ways of saying here are people who often have a difficult time in their life, and an opportunity to let them know that they are still appreciated and a worthwhile member of society.”
Parenteau hopes the event will continue in coming years, with different churches volunteering their space to house the guests.
“We want to have a community Christmas and that people feel valued in the community and have the opportunity to have a Christmas celebration in our community,” she said.
While last-minute guests are certainly welcome, Krecsy said families should call ahead and let the food bank know if they are coming. The food bank can be reached at 780-459-0599.
Volunteers will be available to help those with transportation issues.
The dinner takes place from about 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the United Church, 20 Green Grove Dr.
In addition, Krecsy said the annual Christmas hampers were also prepared with the help of the Rotary Club and a local girls’ hockey team, and will be given out on Friday, Dec. 21.
The hampers include a Christmas breakfast and supper, a few extras and a referral to the Salvation Army for toys.
