Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Dec. 16, 2018
In the spirit of the Christmas season, one Pontiac resident sought to bring together those who may go without a traditional holiday gathering on Sunday.
Organized by Leona Lalonde, the second Christmas Cheer party at the Shawville R.A. Hall brought a little something bright to the community, complete with a turkey dinner, the trimmings, music and singing.
“Last year, I started this as a way to do something for someone who might not have a Christmas gathering to go to,” said Lalonde.

Her emphathetic gesture attracted the support of the surrounding community, as she soon had many offering their support. With local residents and businesses donating food, small gifts, and more, plus many helping in the kitchen, Lalonde was proud to see it all come together.
As well, she used the meal as a chance to teach the younger generation the importance of volunteering and what the season is really about. That’s why she had the children designated as the supper’s servers, working hard to keep plates full all evening long.
Finally, to help round out the fun, a selection of Christmas songs were sung by volunteers throughout the evening. Singers encouraged the group to sing along, as the performance took on a carolling feel.
Sending out 40 invites, she is yet to see as many come back, but looks forward to the year it does happen.
“I haven’t had that many come, but if one belly is full, that’s good enough for me,” said Lalonde.
Still, as much as she opens the invite to all the surrounding municipalities and does look forward to the gathering growing bigger, there’s still a certain feeling she’d like to foster for the meal.
“I always want it to feel like family and cozy-oriented for the diners,” concluded Lalonde.