Christmas dinner returns

The Rotary Club of Clearlake Community Christmas Dinner is back. The 28th annual community Christmas Dinner and Celebration takes place Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burns Valley School.

For the past 27 years the Rotary Club of Clearlake has prepared a complete and healthy warm meal, plus dessert, for all who have attended. The last time the dinner took place, in 2019, 1,300 people attended.

This year because of COVID-19 health guidelines, the celebration will be enjoyed in a new, safe format. Volunteers will prepare, package and hand-deliver meals. Most attendees will receive takeout meals via vehicle drive-up option. There is a walk-up option for those who require it. Parking will be very limited. Meals will be provided while food supplies last or until 2 p.m., whichever comes first.

Foods, Etc. is contributing all the food and packaging supplies this year.

Locally the Meals on Wheels program delivers meals to 200 registered recipients. All food and packaging supplies for 200 meals will be provided to the Meals on Wheels program. The Meals on Wheels team will deliver the meals to recipients Dec. 11. This extra warm meal includes ham and all the fixings along with pumpkin pie.

Historically at this event, Santa Claus and his elves have visited with children, taking the time to ask each child what their special Christmas wish was. They also received a souvenir photo with Santa, a toy and a candy cane to take home with them. This year Santa will be on a Fire Engine to wave hello. His elves will hand out toys and candy canes to those in cars as they proceed down the event route.

Another event tradition, The Rotary Warm for The Winter event featuring All Things Warm, has traditionally happened simultaneously with the celebration event. Unfortunately, because of countywide health restrictions related to COVID-19, the Warm for the Winter program will not take place this year.

Dr. Paula Dhanda and Worldwide Healing Hands volunteers are returning this year to hand out health items.