Plumisto Family Luncheon Warms Colby With 13 Years of Giving
December 24, 2025
The warmth inside the American Legion Hall on Christmas Eve had little to do with the simmering roasters lined along the wall. It came instead from a family tradition that has quietly grown into one of Colby’s most meaningful holiday gatherings.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 24, the Plumisto Family once again opened their annual Holiday Soup Luncheon to the community, offering bowls of chili, chicken and noodle, and vegetable beef soup, along with fresh cinnamon rolls, smiles, and an unmistakable sense of togetherness. Now in its 13th year, the luncheon has become a Christmas Eve staple, rooted in generosity and carried forward by multiple generations of the same family.
This year’s effort was impressive by any measure. Family members prepared nine different roasters of soup and baked 282 cinnamon rolls, all homemade, all served free of charge. In addition to those who stopped in at the hall, the family also organized deliveries to residents who were unable to attend in person, ensuring the spirit of the event reached beyond the room itself.
Lois Armstrong, who spent much of the afternoon tracking meals and coordinating logistics, said the luncheon has always been about giving without expectation. Donations are not accepted. Instead, when guests ask how they can give back, the family encourages them to support local charities, including Genesis, reinforcing that the focus remains on serving others rather than fundraising.
What makes the Plumisto Holiday Luncheon especially meaningful is how it has evolved. The tradition began with the original group of siblings — Mike, Mickey, Charlene, Dwayne, Cathy, Dale, Lois, Kelly, and Lynette — who wanted to shift their focus from exchanging gifts among themselves to doing something larger for the community. Over time, that idea took hold and expanded naturally, with each family member contributing in whatever way they could, whether by cooking a pot of soup, baking rolls, purchasing supplies, or simply helping serve.
Today, the second generation has stepped confidently into leadership roles, keeping the event organized and sustainable while passing along the same values that started it. Even more striking is the presence of the third generation. Children filled the hall throughout the afternoon, helping serve food, clear tables, and greet guests. Some had been on their feet since the doors opened, learning firsthand what it means to give their time and energy to others during the holidays.
The Plumisto family tree itself has grown to include well over 200 relatives and extended family members in Colby, a testament to both its size and its deep roots in the community. That sense of connection was visible in every corner of the room, from the serving line to the delivery teams heading out the door.
As the final bowls were served and the roasters slowly emptied, the scene reflected something simple but powerful. In a season often defined by busyness and obligation, the Plumisto Family Soup Luncheon remains a reminder that giving back does not require grandeur. Sometimes, it only takes a warm meal, willing hands, and a family committed to serving its neighbors, year after year.