Katonah Elves Planning Christmas in July

The weather is hot and humid and most of us are deep into our summer routines. But a group of Katonah volunteers have stepped off the beach to begin planning a Christmas Day dinner for families in need.

The event has taken place in Katonah every year since 1994.

Its premise is simple: no one in this area should be alone or hungry on Christmas Day. The tradition continues this year with those involved hoping to touch the lives of hundreds of local residents.

Katonah resident and organizer Chris Roberts said he's proud to live in a community that plans this all-volunteer dinner that serves 300 people at St. Mary's Montfort Academy on Valley Road.

"I love the idea that Katonah is a beacon of warmth for people all over the county," says Roberts.

The guests, who are invited through shelters and agencies throughout Westchester,  are treated to a full afternoon of festivities on December 25th, including transportation to the event, a sumptuous holiday meal, entertainment and an opportunity to take home donated clothes and items.

Santa and his elves are also on hand to fulfill holiday gift wishes with sacks full of brand-new presents. Even the leftover food is packaged for the families to take home.

"This is one event that all of our clients want to attend," says Denise Maxwell, a client care worker at the Open Arms Shelter in White Plains. "Everyone gets treated with so much respect, so much love goes into that dinner. Our clients' whole families are invited and everyone goes home with new clothes and gifts. It is really something."

The occasion is made possible every year by an army of volunteers and donors. Co-leaders of the event, Ben Harvey and Licia Sandberg have been volunteering at the dinner for many years.

"It is amazing and fascinating to me how our local businesses do not hesitate to contribute to this cause," Sandberg said. "We just ask and we receive so many useful things; materials from Katonah Paint & Hardware, items from Weinstein's, food from La Famiglia, shoes from Shoetique, and so many others."

Harvey added that the generosity of those who volunteer for the event is remarkable. "We have hundreds of volunteers who fundraise, decorate, set-up, greet the guests, serve, provide entertainment and equipment, clean-up and just make it a very special Christmas for a lot of people. And seeing the look on guests' faces is pretty powerful stuff," he said.

For more information on volunteering for the event or making a donation, contact Chris Roberts at christopherroberts@mac.com.