We talk about the need to “keep Christmas” in our hearts, thoughts, words and deeds throughout the year. One of the things that unfortunately continues every day is hunger, with many people without enough food to sustain themselves and their families. That’s why Keeping Christmas is the theme of a special, free musical event for three performances Dec. 15-17, with donations to support the Galena Food Pantry.

Sponsored by the United Churches of Galena, Keeping Christmas is being produced by representatives of the Galena Shakespeare Festival and the Better Life Players. The artistic directors of the two groups are Scott McKinsey and Pamela McKinsey, respectively.

“Both organizations have a commitment to presenting high-quality events that enlighten, entertain and support area worthwhile services,” said Pam McKinsey. “This past August, the Better Life Players presented The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church to bring increased awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence. Scott and his troupe are gaining major recognition as they continue to grow the Galena Shakespeare Festival, presenting Macbeth, The Tempest, Richard III, a Dickens-themed Victorian Christmas experience last year and other special events this past year alone, which enrich the Galena artistic experience for residents and tourists alike.”

Scott McKinsey noted that “The Festival had originally planned another holiday production for this year, but we decided to collaborate with the Better Life Players to present an event that will benefit the worthy ongoing work of the Galena Food Pantry. This time of year, all of us may harken back to the struggles of the Cratchit family in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the character in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl or the couple selling their most-precious possessions to get money for their loved one in O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. But hunger isn’t relegated to the past; it still exists every day, often right around us. We’re glad to present Keeping Christmas to aid the food pantry and our many neighbors it serves.”

Keeping Christmas will be presented Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16 beginning at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit St. (the former Galena-Stauss Hospital). Event tickets and parking are free, and a goodwill offering for the Food Pantry will be held. Tickets need not be secured in advance, though the intimate space encourages people to arrive early.

Performers include Scott McKinsey and Blair Kott from the Galena Shakespeare Festival; Pam McKinsey, Lorie Moyer and Lillie Anderson-Beadle from the Better Life Players; and a special appearance by the Rev. Jim McCrae.