OGDEN, Utah, Dec. 24, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — T’was the noon before Christmas at the Weber County Library.
And for this year and the previous 14, that has meant the main library’s doors were open wide to anyone seeking a warm welcome, warm food, and even some warm clothing.
“We’ve been doing this 15 years, and it has changed and evolved,” said Victoria Young-Burns, the librarian who this year coordinated the open house for those in need.
“These are the people we serve every day, and this is our way give something back to them. The open house brings in people with nowhere to go, people who have no family here, or people who have had a tough year and can’t afford a holiday meal.”
Last year’s open house drew more than 500 people, Young-Burns said. This year, like last, volunteers served each guest a meal while musicians played nearby, adding a relaxed ambiance.
Families sat next to single diners. Local groups of friends chatted with people who arrived with their worldly goods in backpacks and garbage bags. Strollers and wheelchairs sat side-by-side at the long, narrow tables.
In a nearby alcove, tables were stacked with colorful scarves, hats, gloves and socks, with different areas designated for children, men and women.
“They are all new, from community donations,” Young-Burns said of the clothing. “About half of them are homemade. We have people that started knitting or crocheting months ago. It also gives those people a way to serve. They get to see the people in the community, and it makes them feel good to give back.”
A story time was planned for children. The family friendly film screening this year was “Inside Out.”
But for most people, the donated lunch seemed to be the highlight of the event, and included chicken pasta salad with vegetables, a green salad, a roll with butter, a clementine, a frosted cookie, and a soda, juice, coffee or eggnog.
“This is the best meal I’ve had in months, and I get to have it here with my family and friends,” said Mary Pappas, 67, of Layton.
“The people are so nice. They helped me carry my plate to the table, and they smiled and looked me right in the eyes when they talked to me. It made me feel like a person.”
