1999 was the 19th year that the Garberville Veterans Association(GVA), a non-political veterans group, produced a free and traditional Christmas dinner complete with a visit by Santa.
This effort requires the solicitation of the community for donations of cash, food, gifts, musical talents and the organization of the cheerfully donated
labor of love into the aspects of food preparation and distribution and present wrapping and of course the overall clean up. The necessary funds have primarily been provided by the generosity of the business people of our fine community. The labor is provided by angels of the community mysteriously directed by the magic of the season.
Volunteers begin preparing the food and decorating the hall
two days ahead. Others like the local Boy Scout troop and the Meals on Wheels people, deliver meals to the elderly and shut-ins of the community still others serve
the meals on Christmas Day. A swell time is had by all.
Originally for the homeless, these dinners have evolved to serve 350-450 dinners to a community of mobile and housebound elders,
and others, whose sweeties have gone to visit families in other cities and states or who live alone or find themselves alone at Christmas
because of a death or divorce, or, have become stranded in our town or simply need to join with a larger group for the holidays. Through the years, this humanitarian effort has passed many a needed ray of
light into several lives.
The veterans will continue to produce this celebration so that any and all community members can enjoy fellowship in this
dark time of the year. The Garberville Veterans Association wishes the whole community a Happy Channukah, Solstice, Christmas, Kwanza, Festival of the Lights
or whatever celebration that any member of our gloriously varied community celebrates.
And to everyone, the Garberville Veterans Association sincerely wishes the best of health, wealth, happiness, hope and humor in the new year.