WARREN Plans are in works for holiday dinner

Everyone will eat together at the 12th annual dinner.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Everyone gets full at Dan Polivka's annual Christmas Day dinner -- some on food and some on the feeling they get from helping those in need.
Polivka, a longtime city councilman, and other area residents are part of Families Helping Families, a committee that puts on a holiday feast to feed those who can't afford a meal and those who would otherwise be alone Christmas Day.
This year's meal will be served from 3 to 5 p.m. Christmas Day at Aulizio's Banquet Center, 4395 Youngstown Road.
Polivka said Ceasar Aulizio, owner of the center, has been more than gracious in offering his restaurant for the event since it started in 1989.
The menu will include ham, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, bread and butter and dessert. Music and entertainment will also be provided.
Reservations can be made by calling Trumbull Community Action Program at (330) 393-2507.
Twelfth year: The dinner is in its 12th year and in recent years brought in 350 to 400 people. The at-large councilman said he believes that's because the dinner is one of the few held in the area Christmas Day.
Polivka said he and his friend Terry Armstrong set out to do something for the community's less fortunate. The idea came from Polivka's friend, Joe Lordi, who runs Gleaners Food Bank on Pyatt Street in Youngstown.
Volunteers: He added that about 40 to 50 people volunteer. Committee members and volunteers donate food and prepare some of it in their homes.
Polivka said Valley View mart on Elm Road and Dunkin' Donuts on U.S. Route 422 have agreed to let the committee use their kitchens to help prepare the meal. Children who attend the dinner are given gifts.
Donations of food, money and toys can be made by calling Polivka at (330) 372-7388 or Ruby Whittacre at (330) 369-6530.
Volunteers are also needed to provide transportation to and from the dinner for those who need a ride.
Meals are available for shut-ins, but Polivka said it's preferred that people come to the banquet center for the family-style dinner.
"Everyone eats together," he said, adding that the family atmosphere "is good for the soul."
davis@vindy.com