WILTON — Bringing people together to break bread as a community is the reason for the third annual Family Style Christmas Dinner.

Members of the 3C Society are planning a meal from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, at Harnden Masonic Hall, 70 Bryant Road.

The meal is free and open to everyone, said Arleen Maselli of Knowlton Corner Farm. It is not just for the needy but for everyone and especially those individuals, couples or families who might be alone on the holiday.

A traditional menu of ham, potatoes, squash, rolls, pies and more is served family style by volunteers. Santa Claus even makes an appearance after finishing his Christmas Eve visits.

“The idea is to get people together,” Maselli said. “A couple from Auburn even drove up last year.”

For people in the Regional School Unit 9 area, transportation to the meal is available, said Amanda Beane of Farmington.

Maselli and Beane started the Christmas Day meal at the Chesterville Town Hall two years ago and were joined by Donna Dashnau of Farmington last year when the meal was moved to the Masonic Hall.

To accommodate all dinner guests, those who plan to attend are asked to call 778-6520 by Dec. 22. The same contact number can be used by people interested in volunteering or donating an item for the event.

A wish list of items, including pies, is on the 3C Society Facebook page.

One big wish is to find someone willing to volunteer to play music during the dinner on Christmas Day, Beane said.

Volunteers to help with serving meals and drinks are needed, along with a clean-up crew. All volunteers will eat together at 1:30, Maselli said.

In a spin-off from the success of the first two meals, the women came together with a “common goal of making a positive impact in our community” and formed the 3C Society in 2016.  The 3C’s stand for Caring, Compassion and Community, according to the group’s Facebook page. 

The women share a mission “to inspire our friends and community members to come together and make a difference in the lives of others” and “to make a positive impact in our community.” 

“We love what we do,” Maselli said.

“Yes, we do. It is a sad day, the day after Christmas,” Dashnau said.  

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

The 3C Society is planning its third annual Family Style Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day. Planners include, from left, Donna Dashnau, Arleen Maselli and Amanda Beane, all of Farmington. (Ann Bryant/Franklin Journal)