Lazarus House Christmas dinner a community affair

More than 100 people gathered to share a meal, friendly conversation and holiday spirit, at Lazarus House's annual community dinner on Christmas afternoon in St. Charles.

Held at the St. Charles Free Methodist Church which adjoins the shelter, volunteers and diners alike sat together, dining on the potluck meal and listening to Jacque Miller of South Elgin sing holiday songs. Wanda Hochstetter of Geneva, who works in the men's emergency shelter section at Lazarus House, has been in charge of the dinner for four years.

"It's a wonderful way to spend Christmas, and I'm very grateful that I'm able to do it," she said.

Volunteer Judy De Poe of Wheaton has been helping out at the dinner for 15 years. The first time she came she was single, and alone on the holiday. Eight years ago, she married her husband Richard and together they have made the Lazarus House dinner a tradition. De Poe said there are many reasons.

"To volunteer; to be with others who are single and alone like I was," she said. "It's just a wonderful time to be together with others for Christmas and just to let people know that there are people that care about them."

For more information on Lazarus House, go to lazarushouseonline.com.