On the Bright Side: Oneonta church to host 24th annual Christmas dinner today

On the Bright Side

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December 24, 2011

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Mon Jan 16, 2012, 11:13 AM EST

A tractor-trailer-load of toys is one of the miracles that continues to make the annual Friends of Christmas Dinner a success, an organizer said Friday.

The group was putting the finishing touches on its 24th annual dinner that will be held this year Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. This will leave the sanctuary open for Christmas services, organizer Carol Forman said. The holiday meal, like many others provided in the area, is free and open to the public.

“A little miracle happens every year to make it successful,” Forman said.

This year, that included an unexpected delivery from the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in Albany. She received a call Friday morning when the site in Schoharie County, where the toys were bound, had more than it could handle.

They will be distributed to children in need at the Saturday meal. There were so many that some were given away to various organizations as well. A volunteer is also bringing some to the Hunter Mountain area for distribution to flood victims.

The dinner helps meet community needs on several levels. It gives people a place to go on Christmas and provides an opportunity for people to feel good by helping others. “Oneonta has a very caring and giving spirit,” Forman said.

During the meal, there will be musical entertainment provided by two local families. Mary Ann Hartmann has been involved with the dinner since it began. It’s “very satisfying” knowing you are in service to those who are homebound or who might want to be with others, she said.

“We are blessed with volunteers who understand the nature of the service,” she said, adding that merchants always step up and provide what is needed, including gift cards.

Last year, preparations were for about 500. With increased needs because of the weak economy, Hartmann said this year it will be closer to 600. Whatever is not used will be given to Saturday’s Bread, the church’s feeding program, so nothing goes to waste.

There are two community meals being served Sunday.

The doors open 12:15 p.m. at the Walton Fire House for the dinner sponsored by the First United Methodist Church, organizer Helen Caffery said. It started after the Flood of 2006.

“It was only natural to want to help our friends and neighbors, giving them encouragement and friendship as they cleaned up from the flood,” she said. With most stores and business closed, she wanted to help provide company for those in need. Caffery said she’s fortunate that so many help each yearincluding Walton businesses and veterans’ organizations. The Walton Fire Department also donates its facility.

Festivities start at 4 p.m. at the Stamford Fire Department’s Christmas day dinner.

“It’s my Christmas gift from my husband,” Shelly Vamosy said. She is chaplain for the department and the county. Her husband, Al Vamosy, is first assistant chief and assistant chaplain. They are assisted by members form the Mountaintop Christian Fellowship, where they are pastors.

“I just want to serve our community and make sure no one is alone on Christmas Day,” she said. During these tough economic times, “we just want to ease the pressure.”

Reservations are appreciated but not required, she said, and can be made by calling 652-2613 or 652-7241.