Willow Roots food pantry pairs with the Stissing House to feed the hungry for the holidays

PINE PLAINS — With this Christmas set in the center of a global pandemic, celebrations have changed, traditions have been altered and residents may find themselves isolated and in need of a miracle. In a joint effort to feed local families and bring some holiday cheer into their homes, Willow Roots and The Stissing House worked in tandem to arrange and deliver meals to local families during the Willow Roots food pantry’s annual Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 20, proving that a little love goes a long way and that there are no limits to what can be done to help others.

“Everything we do — everything — is love,” Willow Roots co-founder Lisa Zayas said simply. “People love to do something that they can give back. It gives somebody a purpose.”

Running from noon to 2 p.m. behind The Stissing Center building at 2950 Church St., the food pantry’s party drew community support in various capacities. On the night before the party, Zayas said Willow Roots, with help from members of the community, was able to get tickets to send 32 family members to see a production of “The Nutcracker” at the Wethersfield Estate in Amenia. The food pantry was also able to deliver 199 meals that day, feeding 65 households and distributing 70 turkeys.

Since 8 a.m. on Sunday morning, Stissing House owners Patricia and Michel Jean were at their restaurant preparing all the meals for families to pick up that afternoon, offering a choice of a roast beef, turkey or vegetable lasagna dinner with all the fixings. Throughout the afternoon, volunteers worked together to bring the meals the Jeans had lovingly packed to the cars of incoming families, welcoming them to the party with a smile and sending them on their way with a hot, nourishing meal.

From the moment they pulled into the parking lot, families were greeted warmly by volunteers who offered them their choice of a free Santa hat, elf hat or reindeer antlers. Afterward, families were invited to park their cars and explore the party’s different stations or otherwise continue driving through the lot. Fire pits were set up around the parking lot to keep both visitors and volunteers nice and toasty, and Ronnybrook Dairy set up a hot cocoa station to offer everyone something warm to drink. 

The Pine Plains Platter prepared Santa boxes for the occasion with Ronnybrook milk and homemade cookies from the Platter, as children’s faces lit up when they spotted Santa nearby. Inviting the children to share their Christmas wishes, Santa handed out bags of candy, cookies and little presents to the boys and girls who came over with their families to visit him.

At another station, FORM + LIGHT founder Sarah Rigano handed out unique branches of gathered greens for families to take home with them. 

“I think anything that brings a little bit of beauty is welcome — it’s been a curious year,” Rigano said. “I think [2020] was a moment for people to slow down and think about what’s important. At the end of the day, it’s about community and coming together.”

Willow Roots volunteers Ray Christiansen and Victoria Baluk also pitched in, collecting toys to provide to 22 children and eight families.

“I think everybody, more than ever, is anxious to help in any way they can,” Baluk said.

Given the countless people who donated what they could to help Willow Roots tend to the community this holiday season, Zayas said, “As you can see, Willow Roots is an umbrella for everybody. We belong to the community… without those roots, we can never be that big tree. Our volunteers are the most conscientious, devoted, loving — they’ve gotten to know the family.”

“It really is a joint effort,” Patricia Jean added. “Everybody pitched in — there’s a long list of donors and volunteers and it’s very much a community event. It’s been a terrible year for everybody, so it’s very meaningful to be able to do this. Willow Roots is a real godsend to the community.”

“We all take different things away from things like this,” said Stissing Center President Jack Banning, “but what matters is how it’s received.”

From left, Victoria, Laila and Juliana Baluk volunteered their time at the Willow Roots’ annual Christmas party where they handed Christmas dinners out to families in need. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle

From left, Bodhi Steimke, 3, had a special Christmas visit with Santa Claus alongside with Ethan Wendover, 5, at Willow Roots’ annual Christmas party. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle

From left, Victoria, Laila and Juliana Baluk volunteered their time at the Willow Roots’ annual Christmas party where they handed Christmas dinners out to families in need. Photo by Kaitlin Lyle