By Karen Sheek
On Christmas Day, the public is invited to a free community dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the county annex, 103 N. Chestnut, in Cortez.
For over 20 years, a group of dedicated volunteers in Cortez have hosted a Christmas dinner at the county annex. It has become a tradition for members of our community to provide a traditional holiday meal — turkey and all the trimmings — for folks who may or may not have family close; who perhaps can no longer prepare a big meal; or who simply want to share this special holiday with local friends and family.
In the past several years, Cliffrose and Four Seasons Greenhouse have donated poinsettias, and volunteers have come in before the big day to set up tables and decorate. Audrey Allmon and her band provide the entertainment. Volunteers come in early on Christmas Day to prepare and serve the meal to all comers. There is no charge, and everyone is welcome to eat and bask in the spirit of the day. Many young people have learned the importance and joy of giving to others by helping prepare and serve Christmas dinner in Cortez.
A spirit of giving makes it happen. The county is providing the use of the annex and kitchen, local food vendors are donating support, and RE-1 provides their warehouse facilities for food delivery and temporary storage. If you would like to donate desserts or volunteer, contact the Cortez Cultural Center (565-1151) to sign up. They will provide you with details as well as take information from those needing to have meals delivered. If you want to make a financial contribution, donations can be made at the Cultural Center, Four-Corners Community Bank, Dolores State, and Vectra banks, at all locations.
On Christmas Day, meal service is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first volunteers begin work at around 9 a.m., and the cleanup crew is finished by 3 p.m. Volunteers can come for an hour or the entire event.
The holiday season is the time of year when we all have a sense of hope that the world can be a better place. In Cortez, that hope is translated into action each year by people who participate in and carry on a tradition that is the essence of what Christmas means — giving to others — and in return, receiving more than has been given.
Karen Sheek is the mayor of Cortez.