CHRISTMAS

A look back at the most popular Christmas presents by decade

C.S. Hagen — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:55:00 GMT

ORRIN, N.D. — In the early 20th century, most children hoped for an orange or an apple in their Christmas stocking.

If they’d been naughty, some children, especially German Russians living in the Great Plains, feared they would find a birch switch — a gift from Belzneikel — a mythological, fur-covered Germanic companion of Saint Nicholas, the decider between who was naughty and nice, according to stories preserved by North Dakota State University Archives.

In letters published in newspapers of the time, what children wished for and what they got changed over the decades since the days of Belzneikel.

1930s

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, boys dreamed of $5 Red Ryder BB guns and Lincoln building bricks, but were happy with an apple, little Tommy Daly of Grand Forks, North Dakota, wrote in a letter to Santa, which was published by the Grand Forks Herald on Dec. 21, 1930.

Children like young Claire Bourassa, also of Grand Forks, were keenly aware of their poor neighbors. “Please bring me a set of dishes and a stove and a handkerchief and some bedroom slippers and pleas[e] help the poor children,” she wrote.

One 4-year-old child, Clarence Anderson, wanted to go to the train station to meet Santa Claus, but he had the mumps. All he wanted was a companion because he was lonely, he wrote in a letter published by the Grand Forks Herald.

The most popular gift during the 1930s, if a family could afford it, was a Mickey Mouse doll, according to the Animas Museum in Colorado.

1940s

By the 1940s, boys were asking Santa for marbles, toy dump trucks, train sets, footballs, and, of course, BB guns. Girls wanted dolls and play dishes, according to a Dec. 27, 1940 story about Christmas published in The Forum.

“A new doll every year was unheard of, but a new doll dress was a wonderful gift,” The Forum reported.

The Bismarck Tribune reported on Dec. 15, 1949 that Santa had 13 visits scheduled in western North Dakota, and would accept letters from children, who would in turn receive $1 bills and small treat bags.

The most popular gift of the 1940s was the iconic, brightly colored Lego set, according to Preston Park Museum in England.

1950s

By the 1950s, however, Christmas gifts began to change as the nation “saw a major increase in prosperity and consumption,” the Johnson County Museum reported.

The toy industry used television to market toys and created a rage for products like Davy Crockett’s coonskin cap, flintlock rifles, Roy Rogers watches, and the Lionel electric train, which was a top choice among young boys.

Many girls wrote Santa for the “Little Homemaker Pastry Set,” which included an eggbeater, a juicer, bowls, spoons and a rolling pin.

In 1956, the Grand Forks Herald published an article stating that more than 1,700 letters had been mailed to Santa from 143 cities and towns across the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Kansas and California, (which were actually mailed to the newspaper company).

Many young boys wanted a pistol and holster or electric train, while the girls wanted a Tiny Tears doll or kitchen sets.

Green, plastic Army men and the $3 Barbie doll also made their debuts in the 1950s, and was at the top of most children’s Christmas lists, according to Preston Park Museum.

1960s

In the 1960s, iconic toys like G.I. Joe, Etch a Sketch and Play Cooker arrived in toy stores, according to Preston Park Museum.

Sharon Helm and Donna Kraft of Mandan, North Dakota, asked Santa for a Tippy Tumble, “a doll that tumbles,” as well as a doctor set and a Hoola Hoop, according to the Morning Pioneer. Brian Schott, also of the same area, wanted a list of toys including two Walkie-talkie sets.

“Christmas of 1967 will be one of the most colorful and glamorous ever, judging from the exciting new decorations being displayed by Bismarck merchants,” the Bismarck Tribune reported on Nov. 22, 1967.

Mini skirts for high school girls were the rage, but when combined with the mini purse to match the dress, the outfit became the epitome of fashion, according to the Bismarck Tribune article. Bright colors and bold stripes or polka dots were also in season, and made excellent gifts.

Electric trains for boys and dolls for girls continued to be popular Christmas gifts, but a few new toys were gaining attention, according to the Grand Forks Herald on Nov. 28, 1963.

Barbie dolls with three high fashion wigs, also the dolls named Chatty Cathy, Chatty Baby and Charmin’ Chatty, including accessories, were popular among girls.

Boys preferred “hot item” toy sets including mortar and camouflage helmets, mess kits, canteens and bazookas, as well as movie monster figurines like The Mummy, Frankenstein, wolf man, Dracula, and Batman merchandise as well as the $3 Etch A Sketch magic screen.

The always popular Monopoly board game was a household name in the 1960s, but the most popular toys were Chatty Cathy and Barbie’s mate, Ken — with real hair made of felt — after he arrived in 1961, according to Me TV Chicago.

1970s

The Nerf Ball, costing about $2, hit the market and was advertised as “the world’s first indoor ball” in the 1970s, and it quickly became one of the most popular gifts across the nation, according to the Calgary Herald. Star Wars figures like Darth Vader and R2D2 were also in high demand.

While presents like doll houses, Lego sets, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, G.I. Joe figures and more still retained their popularity, Stretch Armstrong, costing about $5, gave them all a run for their money in 1976.

Advertisements during the 1970s not only featured toys, but targeted parents: “Christmas gift for dad, black lab puppies,” as well as used sofas advertised as perfect Christmas gifts were published in the wanted section of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The Pioneer out of Bemidji, Minnesota, advertised snowblowers and the Super Camera as “super gifts” and the Leader-Press newspaper of Glenville, Minnesota, reported that digital clock radios and tote bags for women were the most popular gift items in the market.

But the most sought-after gift of the 1970s foreshadowed years to come: the Atari 2600 video game console for $199 set the stage for a new digital era, according to Stacker Magazine and Popular Mechanics Magazine.

1980s

The most popular gift of the early 1980s — reported on many news outlets and websites — was Hungarian designer Erno Rubik’s three-dimensional puzzle called the Magic Cube, later renamed the Rubik’s Cube. When the toy was released in 1980, it was an instant success, selling 100 million units within the first two years, according to Stacker Magazine.

Other toys like My Little Pony, Cabbage Patch dolls and Transformers hit the market as well.

By the late 1980s, however, Cabbage Patch faded away, and digital consoles like the $199 Nintendo Entertainment System and its game, Super Mario Bros, topped most children’s Christmas wish lists.

“The craze of choice for kids of all ages is Nintendo — a video-games giant that for the third year in a row dominates Christmas lists,” according to the St. Cloud Times on December 99, 1989.

With Nintendo’s success, other game consoles like Game Boy, released for under $90 in 1989, also became popular, and together they began chipping away at the toy industry’s profits, according to the St. Cloud Times.

The game console was expensive; games cost about $40, but the demand didn’t waver in the late 1980s, according to the St. Cloud Times.

“The toy industry is highly uncertain, and success is elusive. Every year manufacturers pump out scores of new toys. Only a few become hot sellers, such as this year’s hard-to-get Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the St. Cloud Times reported.

1990s

The 1990s saw another change in Christmas shopping: parents arrived hours before a store opened in attempts to buy the most popular present that year, according to Redbook Magazine.

From Furbies to Easy Bake Ovens, Talkboys to Tamagotchi, a digital gift to take care of a digital pet, Apple’s iPod Touch also entered the market during the last decade of the 20th century.

While Walkmans and MC Hammer tapes were popular, Beanie Babies, colorful, pellet-filled stuffed animals that originally sold for about $5, topped the charts for the most popular gift of the 1990s, according to the History Channel.

With its original sales tag, Beanie Babies ended up selling for thousands of dollars each. Children and parents were hurt in crowds after mad dashes of people trying to be first in line, according to the History Channel. Burglars all across the United States schemed and stole the stuffed animals, but by the end of 1999, the market for the toys slumped, according to the History Channel.

Present day

Twentieth century newspaper trend reports show that oranges won't be coming back in vogue as Christmas stocking stuffers anytime soon. Over the decades, presents during the holiday season have increased in financial and entertainment value.

The old stories of Belzneikel keeping children in line for Christmas may be designated to the history books and to the imagination, but at least, Santa Claus lives on, to an extent.

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Faith Lutheran Church of Bagley to holds successful 24th annual Christmas Day dinner

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:36:34 GMT

BAGLEY — Faith Lutheran Church of Bagley served 290 meals through take-out, delivery and dine-in services at its 24th annual Christmas Day dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Guests traveled from Grand Forks, Bemidji and the surrounding area to enjoy the dinner of ham, raisin sauce, scalloped potatoes, corn, lefse, dinner rolls, pumpkin cake, milk and coffee.

Attendees left the church with a parting goodie bag containing an apple, some candy and other treats.

The Christmas Dinner tradition at Faith Lutheran Bagley started in 2000. Then Pastor John Oman, Lila Strandlien and congregation member and retired chef Don Roberts presented the idea to the Bagley Ministerium and got the approval.

Each year, the organizers plan to serve around 300 meals, with their biggest year serving 320 people.

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Bemidji Senior Center's Jingle Jam event spreads holiday cheer

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:49:38 GMT

BEMIDJI — About 40 community members braved the snow and slippery roads to listen to Christmas music, dance, eat Christmas treats and socialize at the Bemidji Senior Center's Jingle Jam on Dec. 19.

A total of 11 musicians performed dance music and Christmas carols for the audience.

During the event, the center also held a raffle drawing for a Christmas quilt.

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Life is a little like a Hallmark movie around parts of Minnesota

Staff reports — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:01:00 GMT

Ahh, Minnesota. Its cold winters are always warmed by the magic of the holiday season.

Maybe it's the way the stars seem to twinkle even brighter above the snowy pine trees or the warmth and smell of a good, crackling fireplace. Perhaps it's the way family and friends come together to bake traditional dishes, or it's the sight of children, all bundled up, building snowmen.

All of it works together, like magic, to create a host of untold Hallmark-style stories. So grab a cozy blanket and a hot cup of cocoa because here are a few we found throughout Minnesota that just might warm your heart. We call them "Minnesota Mistletoe Moments".

1. Love leads her home

When Ember, a beloved family dog, vanished into the woods near Bemidji, Minnesota, her family feared she was lost forever. But thanks to the kindness of a stranger, a heartfelt Facebook post, and a magical twist of fate, Ember was found 60 miles away, guarding the grave of another beloved dog. This heartwarming tale of love, loyalty, and miraculous reunions proves that some bonds—even across miles—are simply unbreakable. Read the full story on the Bemidji Pioneer Journal.

2. Warm hat, warm hearts

A chance encounter in a parking lot sparks a heartwarming story of kindness at St. Benedict’s, a small, private college outside of St. Cloud. Freshman Cassidy Tschida, proud of her handmade hat created by her mom, surprises IT staffer Tony Kapinos with a matching gift, inspiring him to pay it forward. This uplifting tale of generosity and connection proves that small gestures can create big smiles—especially during the holiday season. Read the story on St. Cloud Live here.

3. Whispers of Forever

Step into the enchanting wilderness of the Boundary Waters with Matchlings: Romancing the Wild, a poignant novelette blending love, adventure, and nature. Inspired by the real-life romance of Steven Lawrence Olson and Patricia Ann Moen of Nisswa, Minnesota, this tale follows two souls who met online and now traverse both the wilds of Canada and the complexities of love. From canoeing across serene lakes to dancing to "Cold Little Heart," their journey invites readers to discover the beauty of connection and the thrill of chasing forever. Read the full story on the Pine & Lakes Echo Journal.

4. Where traditions take root

In the snowy town of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, Plants Beautiful Christmas Tree Farm has been bringing holiday joy to families for decades. With horse-drawn sleigh rides, fresh-cut Fraser firs, and a charming gift shop, it’s a place where traditions are made and shared. Nestled among the evergreens, this family-run farm offers a cozy escape filled with the scents and spirit of Christmas. Read the full story on AgWeek.

5. Notes of family love

In Moorhead, Minnesota, a dusty old fiddle becomes the centerpiece of a heartwarming Christmas surprise. Pete Sand brought his late grandfather’s violin back to life, pairing its restoration with a moving recording of “Danny Boy.” What happened next brought smiles, tears, and a magical holiday moment you won’t forget. Read the full story on InForum.

6. Love brings stories alive

In the snowy charm of Alexandria, Minnesota, a long-forgotten manuscript becomes the heart of a Christmas miracle. Jonathan Spilde's children, Kaiya and Coleman, secretly unearthed and published his 50-year-old story, Alexander the Christmas Butterfly, as the ultimate holiday gift. Now, Jonathan's once-tucked-away tale is on display at Cherry Street Books, where he’ll read it to wide-eyed children during story hour, creating a magical full-circle moment for this heartwarming family surprise. Read the full story on the Alexandria Echo Press.

7. Timeless holiday magic

In the enchanting town of Montevideo, Minnesota, Christmas magic comes alive at Historic Chippewa City. For 44 years, this festive wonderland has blended holiday cheer with history, offering horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, and Peanuts-themed decorations among its charming restored buildings. With every cookie baked, craft displayed, and story shared, visitors are transported to a whimsical past, proving that the spirit of the season truly transcends time. Read the full story on the West Central Tribune.

8. Holiday magic on repeat

In Brainerd, Minnesota, columnist Theresa Bourke dives into the heart of Hallmark holiday magic, celebrating the cozy clichés that make Christmas movies so irresistible. From red coats and flannel shirts to magical letters and almost kisses, the season’s lineup promises heartwarming joy and plenty of festive cheer. With Hallmark Bingo and the reality show Finding Mr. Christmas, it’s a season of predictable, delightful Christmas magic that feels like a warm hug on a snowy night. Read the full column on the Brainerd Dispatch.

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Bemidji Veterans Home celebrates its first Christmas

Annalise Braught — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Residents at the Bemidji Veterans Home are enjoying an extra dose of attention as the holiday season ensues.

As a special Christmas gift, members of the Walker American Legion Riders Post No. 134 recently paid a visit to the veterans home, bringing holiday cheer by playing music and handing out tasty treats.

“So many members ask ‘How do we do things for vets other than just giving money out?’ And this is part of what we really like to do,” said Brad Taylor, director of the Legion Riders. “It’s easy to write a check, but when you actually get out and get involved, that’s what’s really cool.”

The afternoon’s music was provided by Riders Chaplain Ryan Pels and his wife, Joanne, who is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Walker.

Taylor said the Legion members try to get out in the surrounding community as much as they can and have been big supporters of the veterans home since it opened earlier this year.

Many of their members participated in the flag line at the home’s flag-raising ceremony in January, and they made another trip up to Bemidji in September to donate two large televisions to the home for community spaces.

Recreation Therapy Director Dawn Huseby said the support the home has received all year has been amazing, but they’ve seen a major influx of folks showing up to support their residents as they celebrate their first Christmas in the home.

“We're so grateful for all the community involvement and support we have gotten this holiday season for our residents,” she said. “People have just been lining up. They’re just … everywhere. Moved to give and ready to help. It’s been overwhelming, in a good way.”

Maryhelen Chadwick, public affairs and volunteer coordinator, commented on how impressed she’s been by all the fun and creative ways people have found to show their support.

“Just so many really thoughtful, really creative things,” she said. “You know, there are people who come in and perform like today, and people who have made donations, people who send cards from offices, youth groups, some 4-H groups. We've even had some carolers come in, which the residents just loved.”

Huseby said a highlight for her was when the residents all pitched in to help make decorations for the communal spaces in the home.

“They all got really involved in making their own decorations and making it all look beautiful, you know, because it’s their home,” she added. “So, that’s a nice thing. They are so enthusiastic.”

The Red Cross gifted the home several tickets to a recent Bemidji State men’s hockey game for residents to attend for the special Military Appreciation Night.

“And they stayed the whole time,” Huseby said of the residents. “The game went into overtime, and we stayed. We left here at 6 and got back here at almost 11. I gave them the option to stay for the overtime and they all said, ‘Yep, we’re staying.’ I was like, OK. And oh how they loved it.”

Chadwick sees all the extracurricular activities as a way to ensure the residents get to live out their lives with dignity and a feeling of choice, just like anyone else would want.

“They do an interactive coffee group where they sit and talk about different areas, different countries,” she said. “They talk about news and events. They do art things, whether it’s painting or woodworking, and they just really like to get involved. The rehab gym is always busy, too. So we have a real active population.”

Staff make all the difference

While the home has a capacity for 72 residents, it is currently sitting at 27 due to a need for more staff members.

Chadwick encourages anyone interested in serving America’s veterans to reach out and apply, as the more staff they have on hand, the greater the impact the home will have in the community and beyond.

“The staff makes all the difference,” she said. “I mean, we need more people, but the staff we have has been amazing. So many families have said it makes them feel good that their resident is here. I’m privileged to work here because my colleagues are terrific, everybody has the same mission, so it’s really simple.”

And the residents agree.

Jim Larson, who was the first to move into the home back in February, said it’s the staff who make things great for him and his fellow residents.

“You know, there’s no place like home, but if I’ve got to be in another place, I want to be in this one,” he added. “It’s the staff who make it so good. They just make you feel like you’re the only one here.”

He said he can’t believe all the fun things he’s gotten to do since moving into the home.

“We went bowling, we went fishing, we were riding down in the park when the leaves were changing, and I’ll tell ya, they just bend over backward for us. They’ve got people here that have things like this going all the time,” Larson said, gesturing to the music event. “The staff do not get enough credit for everything they do.”

For Larson’s friend Art Reistad, the activities and staff dedication are major highlights of what makes living at the home special.

“They have a good selection of things here because you know, not everybody likes the same thing, but they’ve got a very good selection,” he added. “I don’t think there’s another place in the country that has what we have here. It’s special.”

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First City of Lights Foundation announces Tour of Homes, Window Display winners

Pioneer Staff Report — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:36:53 GMT

BEMIDJI — As Bemidjians geared up for the holiday season, they cast their votes in the First City of Lights Foundation's Tour of Homes and Window Display contests.

The Tour of Homes Judge's Choice award winners:

First place and a $250 prize went to the home located at 5252 Elmwood Court NE. Second place went to the home located at 23567 398th St. in Laporte. Third place went to the home located at 4508 Waville Road NE.

The Tour of Homes People's Choice award winners:

First place and a $150 prize went to the home located at 1003 15th St. NW. Second place went to the home located at 1630 Jefferson Ave. SW. Third place went to the home located at 4508 Waville Road NE.

The Window Display Contest award winners:

First place went to myBemidji Second place went to 218 Real Estate Third place went to Raphael's Bakery and Cafe

Though voting has concluded, lights and displays will continue through the holiday season. A link to the map of all 18 homes participating in the Tour of Homes contest can be found on the First City of Lights website or on the First City of Lights Facebook page.

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Buena Vista Ski Area to host holiday events

Pioneer Staff Report — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:17:34 GMT

BEMIDJI — Buena Vista Ski Area will hold a variety of holiday events this season at 19600 Irvine Ave. NW.

Buena Vista will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for skiing and snowboarding from Thursday, Dec. 26, to Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Attendees can watch an Elvis Christmas show at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, on the third floor of the chalet. The cover charge is $10 per person, and the Continental Cafe will be open before the show with a variety of dinner options, a release said.

To reserve tickets, call (218) 243-2231.

"Celebrate New Year's Eve with us for a Family Fun Night of skiing held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31," the release said.

The first Friday Night Under the Lights event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

For more information about these events, visit the Buena Vista Ski Area Facebook page or www.bvskiarea.com.

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Timeless gifts of Christmas overcome nostalgia for gifts of the past

Ann Bailey — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:30:00 GMT

Besides my grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s dishes, glasses and tableware settings that fill the cupboards of our home and my grandfather’s and great-grandfather's tools, oil cans and grease guns stored in the farm shop, our family farmstead houses a variety of things that are stamped with the names of small businesses of bygone days.

Back when neon angels, Christmas trees and Santas hung on the light poles of my hometown’s bustling main street lined with grocery stores, clothing stores and implement dealers, the proprietors of those businesses not only sold their wares, they gifted the loyal customers who bought from them throughout the year

The household gifts were practical ones: coffee mugs from the bank that’s changed owners several times, creamer pitcher and salt and pepper shakers from a variety of farm cooperatives. But to preserve them, I’ve chosen to display them in our china cabinets. We still use the ice cream scoops, a bottle opener and a gravy ladle from other businesses that were in my hometown when I grew up but are now history.

Outside, though the mercury in the thermometer from the cooperative elevator tacked to the walls of our machine shed long ago has dried up — it’s so old that the phone number stamped on it is three numbers — it is a reminder of the days when my grandfather and great-grandfather farmed.

Those items make me wistful for days gone by, when small towns were retail centers where families bought groceries, clothes and did their banking and farmers purchased their feed and seed, fertilizer and implements locally and sold their crops at the local elevator.

Of course, not only has the number of small-town merchants diminished in the past several decades, but so has the number of farm families who were their customers. That’s another change that makes me nostalgic. I remember when I was growing up, our family eagerly looked forward to the variety of goodies that would be on our counters after my mom exchanged her cookies, bars and home-made candies with the neighborhood’s moms.

Before I get too immersed in memories of “the good old days,” though, I refocus my thoughts on the present and future, which makes me realize that, though things have changed — dramatically in some ways — the important things that are at the core of Christmas have not.

The joy, peace and love that the birth of our Savior brought to the world and that exists in the hearts of the people who love Him are beyond time and very much still real.

We may not have as many businesses in our small towns, but the owners of the ones that are there work hard to meet the needs of their customers and to develop a sense of community through activities, such as holiday celebrations, for families.

Meanwhile, though the number of neighbors has dwindled, the ones we do have are kind and generous, and we know we can depend on them to lend a hand anytime we need one.

I am grateful, too, that the ties I have with the siblings with whom I grew up still are strong and that we will spend time together in person, talking on the phone or texting one another during the holiday season. The love we share is as strong now as it was when we all lived under the same roof, and I count that as one of the best gifts I could receive.

The family that Brian and I created also will be together at Christmas, and this will be the first one we will celebrate with Aria, our 5-month-old granddaughter, which will make it extra-special.

Of course, the most important is the “reason for the season,” God sending his son to Earth more than 2,000 years ago to save us from sin — that's what we will celebrate here on Earth with our family on Dec. 25. I also will think about my brother, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, other family members and friends who will be rejoicing in heaven on Christmas.

Though looking back at the way things used to be and the physical gifts that represent them can take me on a melancholy trip down memory lane, turning instead toward the gift God gave us more fills my heart with joy. The impact of that gift, unlike earthly presents, will last through eternity.

Wishing you timeless gifts of faith, joy, hope and peace this Christmas.

Ann Bailey lives on a farmstead near Larimore, North Dakota, that has been in her family since 1911. You can reach her at anntbailey58@gmail.com.]]>

Bemidji Community Table closes for the holidays, seeks new volunteers

TJ Rhodes — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Members of the Bemidji Community Table's board of directors gathered on Tuesday evening to prepare for the holiday season by filling holiday bags.

The 90 bags, filled with food items like chips, juice and treats all donated to or provided by the BCT were served alongside hot meals, providing food insecure residents with something extra to eat during the holiday season as the BCT prepares to close up operations between Monday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 2, for the holidays.

The BCT typically operates between Monday and Thursday each week serving around 100 hot meals through volunteer work. However, they needed to shut down operations during the holidays to provide their chefs a break as filling volunteer shifts has been challenging.

Sarah Linda, BCT treasurer, feels that the BCT can avoid long closures like this in the future if they receive more volunteer help, especially help with cooking as the current cooks need a break every once in a while.

That is why the BCT is asking the community for help filling these shifts, especially cooking, cleaning and serving shifts which are typically from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church on Monday and Tuesday and United Methodist Church on Wednesday and Thursday.

“I know there's people out there that have the desire to serve community," Linda said. "(This) is a great opportunity, whether it's cooking or cleaning or anything.”

Jane Killgore, a member of the BCT board of directors, noted the benefits of serving as a volunteer.

“You get to interact with the guests, which is really nice," she said. "This is technically a community table, so you could come after work."

Hot food is served between 5 to 6 p.m. and is free for anyone. Some meal options include baked chicken, casserole, pasta and salad with sides ranging from potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls, fruit, vegetables, lemonade and coffee.

Those who cannot physically attend can send someone to bring them a meal, no questions asked.

"I would say more food insecure people use it," Killgore said. "We don't collect information, demographic information (or) income information. If you show up (and) you want to eat with us, then you eat with us.”

Those who would like to volunteer can sign up by visiting the BCT website at communitytablebemidji.org and clicking the volunteer button on the home page. The next opportunity to volunteer for the BCT is Monday, Jan. 6, following its holiday closure.

Additionally, those who would like to contribute but cannot attend a volunteer shift can donate via the website by navigating to the donate button on the top right-hand corner.

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Faith Lutheran Church of Bagley to hold annual Christmas Day dinner

Pioneer Staff Report — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:56:16 GMT

BAGLEY — Faith Lutheran Church, located at 32 Bagley Ave. NW in Bagley, will host its 24th annual community Christmas Day dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

The meal will be served in the church fellowship hall and will consist of baked ham with raisin sauce, scalloped potatoes, corn, pistachio salad, lefse, a roll and dessert.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free dinner, courtesy of area churches, organizations and the Clearwater Polk Electric round-up program, a release said.

Dinners will be delivered by volunteer drivers to the homebound within a 7-mile radius of Bagley from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the day of the meal.

To request a delivered meal or to pick up a to-go meal, call the church at (218) 694-2631 by noon on Friday, Dec. 20. For more information, call Gladys Luecken at (218) 368-9772, or email at triscog@gvtel.com.

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