The Library

Christmas dinner

Published December 22, 2020 Submitted by: Renee

"'My heaven on earth -- what a wonderful day,' said one Springfield man who was treated to a hot Christmas dinner, complete with pumpkin pie.

“'That is mighty fine,” M.C. Hobbs added as volunteer Roy Dix arrived Thursday with the meal. Hobbs, who admitted to being over 90 years of age, said that he used to teach music and that he was going to play an organ concert later in the day for some friends. He received the organ as a christmas present.

"The dinners for more than 140 Springfieldians aged 60 or older and who were going to be homebound for the holidays were made possible through the cooperative efforts of St. Mary’s Guild of Christ Episcopal Church, employees of Hamby’s Steak House and about 20 volunteers, many of who are members of Northside Christian Church.

"St. Mary’s guild financed the project, which has had several different sponsors in recent years. Employees of Hamby’s contributed their time, said co-manager Mike Payne. And cheery volunteers made the deliveries....

"Payne and co-manager Bob Love and employee Darrell Ormiston began work at 6 a.m. The dinner included turkey, dressing, baked potato, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

"Payne said deliveries began about 10:30 a.m. and generally are completed by noon. Cindy Payne helped the volunteers arrange the routes....

"The guild earns money by operating the Next-to-new Shop, which sells clothing on consignment. People who own the clothing receive 60 percent, and 40 percent of the money goes to the guild. The guild funds go to the church and its Sunday School program, World Missions, Share Your Christmas, Project Share and the St. Francis Boys Home in West Plains.

"The guild hasn’t yet discussed whether the Christmas Day meals will join the other annual projects."
December 26, 1986 Daily News.

The photograph top left is Roy Dix delivering a Christmas dinner to M.C. Hobbs. The photo lower right is Bob Love (foreground) and Darrell Ormiston, employees of Hamby’s Steak House, cooking Christmas dinners for the elderly.

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