Annual holiday dinner serves helpings of hope

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

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. He also praised the sponsors, volunteers and donors for their contributions.

“It’s a blessing to us and to them,” he said about the community dinner. “The spirit of giving should be every day.”

Attendees enjoyed plenty of fellowship and conversation, along with meals that consisted of turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls and desserts.

Among them was Betzaida Laguer of Youngstown, who came with her sons, Jondel Estrada, 9, a Taft Elementary School student, and 13-year-old Bryan Estrada, who attends Youngstown Early College.

“We plan to get together, eat and play,” Laguer said with laughter, referring to the rest of her Christmas plans.

Laguer, a homemaker, also expressed her gratitude toward those who volunteered their time to make the occasion possible.

One of those who was happy to donate her time to the effort was Marcia Musin of Lake Milton, who volunteers each Tuesday at Gleaners, largely by passing out food.

Musin, who was distributing an array of desserts for Friday’s dinner, said she sees many people going through difficult times. Helping them with some of their essential needs often is accompanied by a hug and words of encouragement, she said.

“They become family,” Musin added.

Of course, Friday’s holiday gathering would not have been possible without the 10 volunteers who prepared the main course. They included Maribeth Petrus of Boardman and Bud Cowell of New Springfield.

After their meal, the adults left with gifts such as poinsettias, isometric-exercise kits, photo albums, bars of soap, bags of fruit and boxes of candy.

The youngsters certainly were not left out of the mix. They received presents that included board games, remote-controlled vehicles, dolls, footballs and soccer balls, interlocking plastic blocks, stuffed animals and action figures.

Helping to hand out gifts to the adults was Kathy Mirto, who has volunteered about 10 years for the dinner.

“I also give hugs to those who want them,” the Canfield woman said. “That’s the most-rewarding part of it.”

Leading the gathering in prayer and reciting Bible verses was Bob Rea of Salem, who also is an assistant with Gleaners.