Community

Bemidji Sons of Norway to Hold Christmas Program and Potluck, Collecting Food Shelf Donations

The Bemidji Sons of Norway will host a Christmas program and potluck at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Avenue SE. The event invites the community to attend and bring donations for the Bemidji Community Food Shelf, providing local families with support during the winter holiday period.

Sarah Chen2 min read
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Bemidji Sons of Norway to Hold Christmas Program and Potluck, Collecting Food Shelf Donations
Source: cdn.forumcomm.com

The Bemidji Sons of Norway will stage a Christmas program and community potluck on Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. The gathering will take place at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Avenue SE, and will accept donations on behalf of the Bemidji Community Food Shelf. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Small community events like this serve multiple roles in Beltrami County beyond seasonal celebration. They provide direct material aid to the local food shelf through donated goods and monetary contributions. They also reinforce social ties and volunteer networks that local charities rely on during the winter months when demand for emergency food assistance typically rises. For food shelf operators, steady streams of community donations during December can help smooth supply and distribution in January and February when budgets are strained.

The event is timely for residents who depend on or support the Bemidji Community Food Shelf. For households facing income volatility due to seasonal employment, illness, or caregiving obligations, community collections can reduce short term hardship. For donors, combining a social event with a targeted collection can increase turnout and the volume of support relative to standalone drives.

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There are broader policy implications to consider. Local charities fill gaps left by public assistance programs, particularly during seasonal spikes in need. Strengthening coordination between congregations, civic groups and public agencies can improve the predictability of resources for food shelves. In the longer term, attention to affordable housing, healthcare access and stable employment remains central to reducing reliance on emergency food aid.

Practical details for attendees are straightforward. The program and potluck begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 14 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Avenue SE. Donations will be collected for the Bemidji Community Food Shelf. The event offers an opportunity to celebrate, to connect with neighbors, and to support local families through the winter season.

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