Rohr family hosts free community Christmas dinner Dec. 7 at Killbuck VFW

One of the most endearing things about Holmes County is the people’s willingness to create fundraisers for many worthy causes.

However, the upcoming Rohr Family Christmas Dinner Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. at the Killbuck VFW is not a fundraiser, but rather a celebration with the communities of Killbuck, Glenmont and anyone else who would like to give thanks for the blessing of community.

This event doesn’t cost a penny and is open to anyone who wants to spend time dining and fellowshipping with people from the area. It is not for any cause and doesn’t serve as a fundraiser, and it isn’t designed for families and individuals who may not have much this Christmas season, but rather it is simply to bring people together to enjoy one another’s company for a couple of hours.

According to Melissa Biltz, her parents Paul and Carolyn Rohr were big proponents of bringing people together for the holidays and were deeply involved in their community. That joy of connecting with others has continued through their children and grandchildren, and this event is designed to promote unity and a spirit of thanksgiving for all involved.

“Our parents were truly blessed during some difficult times in their lives by the people of the Killbuck and Glenmont communities, and because of that, they always promoted helping out community with their involvement by helping with the Glenmont Community Center, square dances, homecoming parades and church socials,” said Biltz, one of seven Biltz children including Malinda, Miranda, Matt, Michelle, Mitch, Monte and Melissa. “The family, including 20 grandchildren, wants to continue that tradition of connecting with the community by sharing a holiday meal with anyone and everyone. Our family feels it is important to give back because that is the example our parents set for us.”

Last year’s meal saw around 170 people commune over the meal and fellowship time, but Biltz said they are looking to up those numbers to 300 or more and are preparing for that many.

The meal is being made, served and donated by the family at their expense, with nothing expected in return other than creating a joyful experience.

The meal for the event will include soup, salad and dessert and is open to anyone.

“It is not a fundraiser and not a charity event. We are only interested in bringing our community together,” Biltz said.

One addition this year has been people from the Killbuck Methodist Church desiring to pitch in, and they will donate homemade pies to the cause.

“That’s special because Mom was well-known for her homemade pies,” Biltz said.

Another addition this year is a family has volunteered to deliver meals to homes to those who can’t make it to the event but would still enjoy a meal.

Biltz said those wishing to receive a meal to-go can call the Killbuck VFW or her at 330-231-6175.

The hosts and hostesses for the gathering will include all the children and spouses of Paul and Carolyn Rohr: Malinda (Ron) Tuggle, Miranda (Doug) Diemer, Matt (Amy) Rohr, Michelle Meinhold, Mitch (Raegina) Rohr, Melissa (Scott) Biltz, Monte (Shannon) Rohr and honorary sister Michele (Steve) Gerber.

The event will take place simultaneously with other events in Killbuck including the Killbuck Christmas tree lighting service and other activities.

“We are always hearing about how it takes a village, and we simply want to get back to the heart of people being part of one another’s lives together,” Biltz said. “This is about building relationships by bringing people together, something that the world needs more of right now.”

If people want to help, they are still looking for volunteers to make homemade pies. If anyone would like to be a part of this charitable act, they may do so by contacting Biltz.