By Amy Marchiano
Republican & Herald
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Rainbow Hose Fire Company No. 1 hosted its first free community dinner at the fire company Friday.
“We do some good where you can,” Irvin Kamp, a volunteer with the fire company, said.
At 7:30 p.m., about 150 people were given a free meal, including deliveries to employees at the Schuylkill County Communications Center and Schuylkill EMS. Meal options included ham, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, yams, green beans, gravy, corn, applesauce, and cranberry sauce. Dessert choices were cookies, cupcakes, chocolate raspberry cake, yellow cake with icing and rice pudding.
Carla Zimmerman, public relations officer with the fire company, said the company wanted to give back to the community.
“We cooked for about 180, but we didn’t know what to expect,” Zimmerman said, adding she was happy with the turnout.
Members of the fire company and county businesses, including Mar Lin Markets and Northward Social Club, donated food.
Wendy Balzanna, fire company president, said members were cooking food since 7 a.m. Friday.
Roy Murton, 34, and his daughter, Lizzy Murton, 11, both of Saint Clair, enjoyed the meal.
“It’s amazing,” Lizzy said.
“This was a great way to give back to the community,” Roy Murton said.
The fire company was decorated with a Christmas tree, snowmen and large snowflakes, while holiday tunes, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” added to the ambience.
Jessica Yorksi, 28, and her daughters, Zamonie Alexander, 6, and La’Tanasia Hoffecker, 10, of Schuylkill Haven, were at the fire house on Dock Street for the first time. She appreciated the meal after a long day at work and was glad she didn’t have to cook.
“I think that it’s really great that they did this. Some people are having tough times out there,” Yorksi said.
Her grandparents, Carl “Skip” and Carol Blankenhorn, Schuylkill Haven, shared in her company.
Carl said the gift was “beautiful and wonderful.”
The meal was highlighted by a visit from Santa Claus.
“Have you been good this year?” Santa asked Tyler Donatti, 3, before he gave him a candy cane and a high-five.
Santa said people should be cheerful and happy.
“Be nice to people,” he said.