By Alan Sorensen
More than 400 people took advantage of the Community Christmas Day Dinner served at the Eagles Club in Havre Saturday.
"It was one of the mildest Christmas Days in memory," organizers Bob and Judy Sivertsen said in a news release Sunday to The Daily News.
The traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings attracted 420 diners, many of whom were shut-ins who enjoyed the dinner delivered to their homes by Havre Jaycees.
"We are once again truly grateful for the volunteers who help prepare and serve the dinner," the Sivertsens said of the cooks and servers at the club.
"The Jaycees, an organization of young women and men who serve the community in so many ways, helped make a better day for many," the Sivertsens said.
They noted that the Jaycees also delivered toys and place mats with the meals.
A couple from Florida sent enough fresh oranges for everyone who attended the dinner.
Monte Shoemaker and Barb Adkins spent Christmas in Havre four years ago and helped with the Christmas dinner. The pair said they thought the dinner was such a great idea that they wanted to continue to be a part of it. They have been sending the oranges ever since.
The Sivertsens said Vivian Kugler and Ernie Hofman came with their accordions and provided Christmas music while everyone enjoyed the sit-down dinner.
"Northern Montana people care about one another, and we say to one and all who contributed in any way, 'Thank you.'"
