Somerset County 4-H Association Spreads Cheer This Holiday Season
Somerset County 4-H Association Spreads Cheer This Holiday Season
Written by Calvin Embleton (Marketing and Communications)
Somerset County 4-H Volunteers During the Holiday Community Dinner
Summary:
With many community members disconnected from friends and family this season, the Somerset County 4-H Association’s Annual Community Holiday Dinner adapted into a drive through event in order to spread holiday cheer and provide free meals within the community. Created and organized by Somerset County 4-H Volunteer Sue McCombie, the event served over 150 meals and brought together both local leaders and businesses in a safe celebration of holiday spirit.
volunteering • team building • organization • preparation • communication
THE CHALLENGE
With many community members disconnected from friends and family this season, the Somerset County 4-H Association’s Annual Community Holiday Dinner creator and organizer Sue McCombie knew just how important it would be this year to spread holiday cheer. But with her indoor event averaging around 120 guests annually, including volunteers, she knew that she needed to adapt in order to keep everyone safe while spreading holiday joy. “We were excited to finally have a plan that could keep everyone safe, while also providing a volunteer opportunity for Somerset County 4-H’ers during the holidays,” stated Sue McCombie.
Somerset County 4-H Volunteers Packaging Free Holiday Meals
THE SOLUTION
Working together with other Somerset County 4-H members and volunteers, Sue began planning a drive through holiday dinner where anyone in the community could place an order for a free lasagna dinner along with dessert. “Our family has enjoyed helping with the holiday dinner for several years, but this year was particularly special and meaningful,” stated volunteer Jill Brochinsky.
Somerset County 4-H Volunteers Handing Out Free Poinsettias Donated By Hionis Greenhouses
Most of the food including the lasagna dinner and desserts were donated through members of the community, as well as local businesses including Wegmans who has donated goods every year since the events inception. This year, participants were greeted with an extra gift of beautiful poinsettias which were donated through the generosity of Hionis Greenhouses.
Through socially distanced planning and organization, a small team of volunteers were able to distribute over 150 meal packages on December 25th, 2020. Both Sue McCombie and the Somerset County 4-H Association is greatly looking forward to hopefully being able to get back together in-person for the 2021 holiday season. “We think this year’s holiday community dinner was a great success and are extremely proud of all the volunteers who helped spread a little happiness this season,” said Somerset County 4-H agent Lisa Rothenburger.