MINOT, N.D. (KXNET) — For more than twenty years, the Dakota Longbeards and Minot Community Action have teamed up during the holiday season to provide Christmas dinners to families in need. Minot Community Action's Executive Director, Willy Soderholm, says this partnership is extremely important — especially during this time of year. "What the Longbeards do is provide the turkeys," Soderholm states. "And then, what we do is provide the fixings or everything that goes with the turkeys. It's been a great relationship, and the Longbeards have been fantastic for us." The amount of baskets given to the families depends on the number of donations Community Action receives. "Funding is limited, so what we do is look at the funding we have available," Soderholm explains. "Then, from there, we decide how many people we are able to help during the Christmas season." Murder suspect arrested in northwest Minot This year, forty baskets are being donated to families in the Magic City. Leaders of the event say this program wouldn't be possible without the help of Marketplace Foods. Store Director Craig Heupel says it's the least they can do, and that the grocery is proud of their holiday collaboration. "Our leadership, our mission is to be involved in the community in any way that Marketplace can help the community and be a part of it," Huepel said. "We certainly want to, and so, when Community Action reached out to us to be involved in this, we want to do whatever we can to partner with them." Heupel says that Marketplace is beyond happy to help people in the community, and they love to be a part of this program. "This is the type of news that we all love to see," Huepel concludes. "This is uplifting. This is community outreach, and it definitely is heartwarming to be a part of it." Now, forty families will enjoy a very merry holiday dinner, all due to donations and a partnership that shines as bright as the star on your Christmas tree. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW