(Chelsea Update would like to thank Nancy Paul for the information in this story.)
The Christmas Day Dinner is legendary in the area because of the work and diligence of Ken Toney, who has been named the Howard S. Holmes Humanitarian of the Year by the Board of Trustees of Faith in Action.
“Every year we take a look around us and nominate someone who has given selflessly, quietly, and generously for the benefit of the community. Ken has been the head chef of the Christmas Dinner for over 20 years and is well deserving of this award,” says Nancy Paul, director of FIA.
Many people who may not have family close by or whose families celebrate on an alternate day come to the dinner and avoid spending the whole day alone, enjoying a festive holiday meal with all the trimmings, thanks to Ken, who may be familiar as one of people who works at the Parts Peddlar. He arrives many hours in advance to prepare the turkeys, peel the potatoes, and make up the casseroles. The food is donated by Faith in Action, and Our Savior Lutheran Church provides the setting, but the effort is all Ken’s, who has been helped in recent years by helpers Mark Olexa and Ron Klumpp.
“I’m getting up there in years and really appreciate the help I’ve gotten from these two the past few years. I hope we can keep it going,” Toney said.
Other community volunteers help with set up, desserts and salads, and clean up.
“Without Ken there wouldn’t be a Christmas Day Dinner. He makes sure that the people working at the gas stations along the highway get a meal, and is always thinking of how we can serve anyone who might be alone on this day. Hundreds of people over the years have celebrated the joy of Christmas with the carol singing and fellowship of this event,” Paul said.
Toney will be celebrated at the Annual Benefit Banquet of Faith in Action on Saturday, April 23, at 6pm, at SJMC. For tickets, go to Faith in Action.
