Annual Christmas dinner more than a meal for many in Valley

YOUNGSTOWN

Last month’s loss of her mother is still painfully fresh for Elizabeth Dudek, and it’s something that the holidays have only compounded.

“She was very loving, nice and a good person,” the Youngstown woman said about her mother, Rita Raver. “I take it hard.”

Nevertheless, Dudek’s grief was eased in some ways by what she received for having come to the Youngstown Community Food Center Inc. and Gleaners Food Bank’s 25th annual Christmas dinner Friday in St. Patrick Church’s social hall, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., on the South Side.

Dudek and her husband, Johnny, an Army veteran who served 18 months in Vietnam, were among the more than 200 adults and children who enjoyed the one-hour gathering, which consisted of meals, prayer and words of inspiration. Attendees also took home a variety of gifts to further brighten their holiday.

Many Valley residents have lost jobs or loved ones, suffer from depression or have little money for food and gifts. Friday’s holiday dinner is invaluable for those experiencing such difficulties, which often are magnified during the holidays, noted Joseph Lordi, executive director of the Youngstown Community Food Center and Gleaners.

It’s also important for people struggling with such challenges to know that local agencies are there to provide assistance, explained Lordi, who thanked Toys for Tots and the other entities that provided the gifts.

Read more about the event and how it helped some community members in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.