What began as a simple idea in early November has grown into another heartfelt community effort in Mineral County. 

Tanya Lewis, owner of Coffeybean Productions in Superior, is organizing a free, county-wide Christmas dinner and celebration for Tuesday, Dec. 23. 

“I thrive when I have a lot to do,” Lewis said. “This is coming together so far, and I know it will be a success no matter how many people show up. There are divine powers at play and nothing will stop this from being great.”

Lewis, whose independent film "They Prey in the Night" is now in post-production, was moved to act after a conversation with Rose Duncan of the Community Food Bank of Mineral County. Hearing firsthand about elderly residents and families struggling with food insecurity, especially those with no relatives nearby, left her stunned. 

“I truly didn’t know the gravity of the situation,” she said. “It made me want to make this happen even more, for them.”

The free event is planned from 4 to 8 p.m. at Superior School which will feature a full Christmas dinner, festive music, children’s crafts, and two opportunities for gift-giving: a children’s gift table and a free “gift store” for families. Crafts include ornament-making, Christmas card coloring, and cookie decorating for Santa. 

“Just fun Christmas music, nothing live but something to set the mood,” Lewis said.

One of the most unique aspects of the celebration is the gift store, a place where both children and guardians can shop at no cost. Kids can pick out gifts for parents and grandparents, while adults can find something special for the children in their homes. 

Donations of new or gently used items are welcome, including jewelry, coats, tools, hats, tumblers, household items in good condition and other potential gift-worthy items.

Lewis expects that attendance numbers may be unpredictable as “people are usually bad at RSVPing for anything,” she joked, so she is preparing to cook generously.

Any leftover food will go to volunteers or be taken home by Lewis’ family. A few volunteers will deliver to-go meals to homebound residents and help with transportation to the event is appreciated. 

“Should anyone like to help transport people to the school to enjoy the event, that would be welcome,” she said. 

If the school’s kitchen is unavailable, Lewis plans to cook everything at home and transport the meal in chafing dishes. 

“It’s not as bad as you’d think,” she said. “I’m really good at planning, and this is actually very small in terms of undertaking. It mostly comes down to money.”

Although this is not a sponsored or organizational event, “This is just something I came up with because I thought it would be fun,” Lewis said the community response has been remarkable. 

Donations have already been pledged by Pepsi Co, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Lake potatoes in Ronan, an egg farm in Plains, BigHorn Botanicals, Sapphire Alpacas, many generous community members in Mineral County and Missoula and several Montana-made companies contributing items for the gift shop. Superior School Superintendent Loggan Labbe responded quickly and positively to Lewis’ request, giving her the green light for the use of the school for the event. 

“We’re truly delighted to open Superior School Districts doors to Tanya Lewis and support her heartfelt effort to host a free Christmas dinner for our community. There’s something so special about coming together over a warm meal during the holidays, and we’re honored to provide the space that helps make it happen. Initiatives like Tanya’s remind us all of the kindness and connection that make Superior feel like home, and we’re grateful for the chance to play a small part in bringing a little Christmas joy to the families of this community,” Labbe said. 

Lewis added that the CFBMC will also help with volunteers and may be able to assist with side dishes which are needed as well as turkeys or hams, volunteers (especially on the day of the event), drivers for meal delivery or passenger pick-ups, and donations for the gift store. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can contact Tanya Lewis directly. At (406) 241-9851. 

“This is about giving people a warm, joyful evening — especially those who have no family nearby,” Lewis said. “I will not let this fail.”