BY: RACHEL WUMKES

It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle during the Holidays.  Between making lists, shopping for gifts, sending out Christmas cards, decorating your home, finding time to bake cookies with the kids and visit Santa, it’s madness.

There are some people, however, who would give anything to have never-ending lists of tasks. Instead of the hustle and bustle this holiday season, they are alone.  Maybe they’re struggling with a sick loved one, or not able to gather due to COVID issues.  No matter the reason, everyone deserves a delicious, hot meal to celebrate Christmas.

IFCA (Interfaith Fellowship for Community Action) is here to help!

IFCA is a collaborative effort of twelve different Clear Lake Churches. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide emergency assistance to travelers in need of gas, a meal, or perhaps overnight lodging or a bus ticket. These are given in the form of vouchers and are distributed by the Clear Lake Police Department.

IFCA also organizes events such as the Annual Community Christmas & Thanksgiving Dinners, High School Baccalaureate, and the summer ice cream social. They also give out free hot chocolate at Christmas by the Lake.

They also aid and support the local school and charitable organizations.

This year, with the rising numbers of COVID in our area and in hopes to shield as many individuals as possible from the virus, they have decided to take their Christmas Dinner on the road.

Literally!

This meal is available to anyone who would like it and consists of Kor-bert Ham with pineapple (which was donated by Mary Ann’s Specialty Meats), gourmet mac & cheese, broccoli slaw, dinner roll, and Christmas cookies.  Meals will be sent out at 11:30am to those who reserved in advance.  Or, you can stop at St. Patrick’s Church at 1001 9th Ave South (enter from the west side lot) between 12:10pm and 2:00 to pick up your meal.

There is no cost, but free will offerings are gratefully accepted.

If you know of someone who could benefit from a service such as this, you can help by picking up a meal for them and delivering it to their door.  Maybe they’re unable to get out and need a warm meal to make their holiday special.  You could be that Christmas miracle they remember for the rest of their lives.

A heartfelt THANKS to all who have donated their time, money and effort to ensure this tradition continues.  While it may look a little different than in past years, it’s still an invaluable service to our community and those who are in need.