By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
Because her children and grandchildren would be busy on Christmas morning, Diane Dietz decided to attend the Community Christmas Day Dinner hosted by the NOAH (No One Alone or Hungry) Foundation of Ohio at Camden Falls. She walked away with a full stomach, a happy soul, and a deeper appreciation for her community.
NOAH was founded by Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Steve Shuff and Mitch Felton in an effort to create a family-like dinner for local residents who would otherwise be alone or hungry on Christmas Day. This year’s event included an elegant sit-down dinner, live carolers, gifts and fellowship.
Dietz was overwhelmed by the experience.
“I’d never been to it before, and I didn’t know much about the NOAH Foundation,” she said. “My children and grandchildren were doing their own thing in the morning, so I decided to see what it was all about.”
What Dietz discovered was a room full of old friends, as well as new friends born of holiday camaraderie.
“It was just so sweet. There was a sweetness in the atmosphere,” she said. “There was so much compassion and kindness and lots of smiles.”
Dietz said she enjoyed the food, the carolers and the sight of the many youths who volunteered at the event.
“It was nice to see young people involved and see them serving happily,” Dietz said. “I got a piece of pie, and the young man serving me was so nice. He tried to make my day just by the way he put whipped cream on my pie.”
Dozens of volunteers served Christmas meals to over 800 people that day. Judge Shuff is grateful for every one of them.
“We have a great group of volunteers who give up part of their Christmas Day,” Judge Shuff said. “The volunteers make it happen, the donors make it happen, and the dinner guests make it all worthwhile.”
Shuff doesn’t organize the event and stay at home on Christmas Day. He was among the event’s many volunteers who sacrificed time at home to serve others in the community, and he spent time visiting with many of the dinner guests.
Commissioner Bill Frankart, his wife Janet Frankart, and their daughter, Kayla Frankart, were also among the volunteers. They have been volunteering at the event for about four years.
“We really enjoyed working the NOAH Christmas event today,” Commissioner Frankart said. “We were grateful for the opportunity to help serve approximately 800 meals along with all the volunteers who help put smiles on the faces of those who were there to seek out fellowship and a great meal.”
Dietz was touched to see local leaders serving at the event.
“It was great to see community leaders there,” she said. “I saw Lenny Clouse there and Bill Frankart there, and Judge Shuff sat at our table for a few minutes. He was making the rounds.”
Judge Shuff said he and Felton designed the event based on the principles of Matthew 25:34 – 40 in the Bible, where Christ explains that, when a person serves another person, they are also serving him.
“Mitch and I worked on this together. It’s based on the gospel,” Judge Shuff said.
Dietz saw the gospel in action at the NOAH dinner on Christmas Day.
“I was just so blown away by the feeling of kindness and sweetness in the air. I came away with a greater appreciation for the Tiffin community, that people would reach out to others no matter what their situation. People came together to enjoy a meal together,” she said. “This is my community. How great is that?”
For more information on the NOAH Foundation, visit www.noahfdn.org.