By Jamee Larson
othing says the holidays quite like a Christmas feast. Getting together with family for food and merriment is generally one of the most well-loved and revered parts of the holiday. Most think little of walking into the local grocery store and emerging with a cart full of turkey and all the fixings. We simply act out of tradition, not giving the reality of our good fortune much thought. Not everyone in our community is as blessed, however. For some, a Christmas feast was little more than a dream. That is until Marisa Bengtson-Loerzel and The Joy Project came along.
tMarisa was driving home from work in early December of last year when she noticed a school bus dropping off children at the Grand Inn in Moorhead. Initially, she was admittedly confused as to why the bus stopped in that particular parking lot. “It never occurred to me that people lived there,” she said. As she watched the children run into the hotel, she realized the reality of the situation. By the time she got home, her mind was made up. “I had to do something to help out,” she explained. Marisa reached out to friends and family on Facebook and received an overwhelmingly positive response. “The idea just grew and grew.”
Last Christmas Eve, The Joy Project fed 200 people at the Grand Inns in both Moorhead and Fargo. People living in neighboring hotels were also invited to the buffet-style meal. Santa Claus made an appearance as well, presenting gifts to children and adults alike. For Marisa, the idea of helping those who would otherwise go without grew past the hotels. The Joy Project also served meals at the Dorothy Day House in Moorhead and the Gladys Ray Shelter, Stepping Stones Resource Center, and Ronald McDonald House in Fargo.
Marisa is very humble when talking about the success of the group’s initial foray into providing Christmas meals. She is quick to give credit to the members of the community that donated their time and money. The Joy Project is not an organization and receives no formal aid. “We are simply a group of people working together to make sure everyone is able to experience the joy of Christmas,” Marisa explained. “It’s the coolest thing.” It is Marisa, however, who got the ball rolling, and for that she deserves the utmost praise.
25-30 people volunteered part of their Christmas Even last year to serve as cooks and servers. “We actually had so many people volunteer that we had to turn people away,” Marisa said. “People are just so nice and giving.” Individual and business donations were enough to pay for both the meals and the gifts. “The businesses have been really great,” she said, adding that she has already received numerous donations for this year. The Joy Project lives and dies based on the donations they receive. The meal alone requires 200 lbs. of ham, 200 servings of stuffing, 200 servings of corn, 20 bags of hash-browns, 20 bags of shredded cheese, 20 containers of sour cream, 20 cans of cream of celery / potato soup, 200 dinner rolls, and soda for 200 people. That shopping list doesn’t even include the presents, so it is easy to see what is required for The Joy Project to meet its goal of providing a meal and a gift.
Several area agencies work to provide Christmas gifts to those in need. Few, however, equal the amount of time and effort Marisa puts into making sure each adult and child get a gift personal to them. She spends hours visiting with families in the hotels, identifying their likes and dislikes, discovering their needs and desires. “I don’t want them to feel generic,” she said. Once again taking things one step further, The Joy Project also provides gifts for those living in shelters as well as the Ronald McDonald House. “People at the shelters receive donated gift cards for a meal at an area restaurant,” Marisa explained. “Ronald McDonald House occupants receive dinner and gas gift cards.” Marisa is confident that the project will receive the necessary items for this year’s meal. It is in the area of gifts and gift cards that more help would be appreciated. Although providing the meal is the number one priority for The Joy Project, Marisa feels that ensuring each person receives a gift is equally as important. “We are just trying to bring joy and help everyone feel the Christmas spirit,” she said.
Marisa understands that there are misconceptions regarding people living in hotels. “If they can afford a hotel, why can’t they afford an apartment?” is a question that she hears on a regular basis. People don’t realize that it can be difficult, if not impossible, to save money for first and last month’s rent as well as a deposit when paychecks only cover daily living expenses. That doesn’t mean, however, that these people are lazy or undeserving. “Everyone living there has incredible stories; they are very hard workers,” Marisa explained. Indeed, anyone that has ever been forced to live paycheck-to-paycheck knows how difficult saving money can be, regardless of how hard one works. Seeing people in those types of situations brings a great deal of gratitude to Marisa. “That type of situation could happen to anyone,” she said. “I’m just happy we can help out.”
Marisa hopes that when word about The Joy Project spreads, others will be inspired to help those who are less fortunate. The Joy Project started with a simple idea and a desire to brighten people’s lives. There are so many ways to help within the community. “Anyone can do something like this,” Marissa explained. “It started with just a small idea that took off.” Ask yourself what you can do for those around you. You may be surprised to find out how little it takes to brighten someone’s world.
Anyone who would like to learn more about The Joy Project or make a donation can call Marissa at 701-371-0796.
