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The 29th Chisago Lakes Area Christmas Day community meal is now complete. Thanks to the generosity of many, an estimated 165 people were served a full Christmas Day meal in the fellowship hall of the Lindstrom First United Methodist Church.

On behalf of those who enjoyed the meal and fellowship, coordinator Crig Stockel extends a heartfelt thanks to the following individuals and organizations:  the Lindstrom First United Methodist Church as the host site for the 29th year;  Brink’s Market, Nick & Drew’s Discount Foods, Family Pathways Food Shelf, Pizza Pub, Lindstrom Family Dentistry, and Village Inn in Wyoming, for donated food products; to the Chisago County Press and Matt Silver, and Mary O’Reilly at Printing Express for promotional materials for the meal; and to Gary Gerke and Carol Schmidt for their behind-the-scenes assistance.

Stockel added, “The meal would not have happened without the support of the many wonderful people of the area churches who gave of their time to assist at the meal, donate food or gave  money to assist with expenses. Thrivent Financial – through a member-directed “Action Team” – provided additional financial assistance. The generosity was overwhelming, and the help at the church from nearly 60 community volunteers was incredible. There was enough turkey left over to assist the menu for the Monday Community Meal in Chisago City,” he concluded.

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