By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
There was no need to spend the holiday alone this year and that was all thanks to the Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.
"We don't have a family here anymore. So, this is our family here today for a short period of time," said David Kelly of Le Mars.
On Tuesday, the hospital served up a free Christmas dinner to anyone who might be alone. A tradition they've done for over the past 10 years.
"It's just kind of heart warming to see that they have some place to go," said Val Grant, a cook for the hospital. "Most of us here have family, and we work it around our jobs. But, some of them don't have family, and it's nice for them to all get together and enjoy themselves."
The hospital served up everything from turkey to green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
Hospital staff and volunteers served over 100 people at the dinner, folks who came as strangers but left as friends.
"I told them ‘Merry Christmas' to one woman, and she said ‘Merry Christmas' too. The other lady said, ‘I'm looking good', and I told her she's looking good too!" said Shirley Beermann of Le Mars.
Even some of the first time goers this year were so inspired by the dinner, they're thinking about coming back next year and helping out.
"I'm going to volunteer to help. I'm going to volunteer next year," said Lou Huckle of Le Mars.
