Christmas Luncheon, 1934

Orlando Chamber of Commerce hosts a Luncheonless Lunch to bring Christmas presents to needy families in Orlando, December 15, 1934.

Each year Orlando enjoys a luncheonless lunch… Every member of Orlando’s numerous civic organizations, is not only invited, but expected to be present. More than this, every citizen who wishes to attend the luncheonless lunch and contribute the price of the meal to charity is welcome…. Read more about this Orlando Christmas tradition in this article from December 15, 1934.

Christmas presents purchased ready for giving to Orlando’s needy.

The wives of the members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, purchased gifts for the needy children with the contributions from the Luncheonless Lunch and, as shown in this news clipping from December 21, 1934, placed the gifts under the Christmas tree at the Orlando County Club.

CAPTION: PLAYING SANTA CLAUS TO ORLANDO’S NEEDY KIDDIES: Wives of Junior Chamber of Commerce members who spent the entire day Thursday shopping for toys for the children who have written letters to the Good Fellows. They are standing with Claude Wolfe, president of the Jaycees, around the Christmas tree at the Orlando Country Club, piled with gifts bought by guests attending the first annual Christmas tree dance of that organization, on Tuesday night. From left to right they are: Mrs. John L. Murray, Mr. Wolfe, Mrs. Sidney Swope, who was the chairman of arrangements for the dance, Mrs. R. D. Robinson and Mrs. Maynard Ackley. Some of the gifts will also be given to another charity organization to be distributed.

Article courtesy of the William Hamer “Bill” Milligan Archives. Bill Milligan is the son of James M. Milligan