It’s a wrap: Volunteers make Christmas Dinner a success

Mrs. Claus takes the mic, the serving line and Gordon MacGill, head of the event, with Frosty, at the 2025 Westchester Christmas Dinner. HERB FOSTER PHOTOS

By HERB FOSTER

Volunteers gave up a large part of their Christmas Day for a valuable community effort by volunteering at the Westchester Christmas Dinner, which this year fed 350 people. 

The event, held at St. Mary’s School in Katonah for 32 years, is totally staffed and operated by volunteers. The 270 people filled many roles, including gift-bearing elves, buffet line servers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the cleanup crew and more.

According to event coordinator Gordon MacGill of Bedford Hills, those 270 people were just a small part of the workforce.

“In total we had around 430 volunteers who made this successful this year,” he told The Recorder. “Work really begins with planning in early December, ramps in the days leading up to the event, peaks on the big day and doesn't stop until the gym floor is swept and the lights are out. Everyone’s local and the majority have helped out for many years. It’s very inspiring.”

Attendees arrived and walked a red carpet lined with Christmas trees, not far from a 40-foot inflatable Santa towering over the entrance. They were greeted by “elves” who took them to their tables. There were games, crafts, photo opportunities and lively music while Mrs. Claus provided entertainment.

Then a complete holiday lunch was served, including turkey, ham, and all the fixings, plus a variety of pies and desserts. Shortly afterwards Santa arrived, followed by elves with presents for everyone.

The Community Center of Northern Westchester helps identify the families in need, while Christmas Dinner volunteers get family information so the gifts distributed can be tailored for the individuals.

Not only do the attendees enjoy it, the volunteers do too. People come back year after year.  Patty Bartlett of Mount Kisco has volunteered for more than 25 years.

“It's something wonderful to do on Christmas to really share the spirit of the season, and it’s wonderful to see the families come in and for us to be able to help them,” Bartlett said.

“I like it so much because I think it's so important to instill in young children early giving back during Christmas while not being so focused on the commercial aspects of the holiday,” said Emily Grand of Bedford, who has volunteered for over 10 years. 

Shagari Hodge of Mount Kisco grudgingly became involved as an eighth grader, signed up by his mother. 

“I came and it was one of the best volunteering experiences I ever did,” he said. Now, he said, “It’s like a custom to me. You have got to give gifts to get gifts; it feels better giving these gifts out than when I receive my gifts.”

Businesses and professionals also played a key role. All the food is supplied by local groceries and restaurants, including DeCicco’s, ShopRite, Village Social, Salinger’s Orchard and others.

Gavin McLaughlin of Pound Ridge, owner of a successful catering company, oversees the preparation and delivery of the food and brings some of his top managers to assist.

“Together, all these volunteers pull off an amazing event, with no cost to the attendees,” he said.