A Christmas Potluck at Fairview Grange #2177

 

ELKHART COUNTY, IND.-- The Fairview Grange #2177 has been around since 1911. This Christmas, they’ve opened their doors for anyone who might not have anywhere else to go.

“We are celebrating Christmas Fairview Grange style," said President Jason Smith, "by opening our doors to the public for anyone who does not have a place to go."

It’s become a holiday tradition for the Elkhart County organization.

"My kids always ask me why we do it," Smith said. "We show up and I show them, 'this is why.'"

For Janessa Guffey, who showed up with her grandma and stepdad, it feels like home.

"Coming here, it gets us out of our normal comfort zone," she said. "Just the spirit here is like, really uplifting."

It was a blessing for Michael Harding, whose Christmas plans got canceled.

"Today was really special because so many people don't have a place to go," he said. "I was supposed to be in Florida, but I got sick, so I couldn't go. My family is all in Florida today, so we decided to come here."

The group of giving organizers is looking to grow.

"They get a chance to see what we do, what we're all about," Smith said, "and hopefully they'll start coming to other events, coming to meetings, wanting to join what we're trying to do here at Fairview Grange."

Smith said they are aiming to double their membership by the end of June.

Their next event— alcohol-free New Year’s Eve.

Learn more on the group's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FairviewGrange2177/