Holiday dinner needs help

The annual holiday dinner for local seniors has been a tradition for years, typically held in the town’s Senior Center. But with the new community center facility under construction, and seniors meeting in temporary quarters without adequate kitchen facilities, the event faced cancellation this year. Natick residents rallied around the event and were able to secure a location - the Natick Elks Lodge at 95 Speen St. - but the dinner needs $3,000 in donations due to its last-minute organization. “I know how much our seniors appreciate the food and the opportunity to visit with their friends and enjoy a holiday tradition,” said Selectwoman Carol Gloff, who has volunteered as a waitress at the event for years. “For some, it’s the only real celebration they have during December, with family far away or gone.” The dinner is Dec. 14 at noon, and donors can mail checks to the Natick Council on Aging/Senior Center, 90 Oak St., Natick, MA 01760, or drop off donations at the council’s offices, or the selectmen’s office in Town Hall. Make sure to write “Holiday dinner” in the memo line. Contact Gloff at carol.gloff@gmail.com for more information. - Megan McKee