More than 175 people in Athol, Idaho, enjoyed a candlelight Christmas dinner and program the day before Christmas. The event was a joint effort planned by the Athol Adventist Church and the local Baptist church. Members from both churches worked together to decorate the Athol Community Center with lighted Christmas trees and table decorations. Area businesses donated food. In addition, more than 34 meals were delivered to homes.

Participants enjoyed seeing a Christmas slide show and singing Christmas carols. Staff at the center were especially grateful for the help since food and Christmas presents had been stolen in the days right before the event. The Coeur d'Alene Press newspaper highlighted the dinner in a front-page story the day after Christmas.

"Our Athol friendship adventure gave us many new friends in the community. We hope to do this again next year," says Athol church member Nancy Smith.