Roger Barr continues a 27-year tradition of writing a holiday story about the fictional Bartholomew family, and a 20-year tradition of performing a benefit reading for area food shelves. His new story "Christmas Longings" is being considered for publication by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which has published the stories since 2020. Roger will read "Christmas Longings" at SPNN studios, 550 Vandalia Street, St. Paul, on December 15, 2024, starting at 3 pm. The reading will be video recorded for future broadcast on SPNN's media platforms. For the 10th consecutive year, Roger's reading will support the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Food Shelf. Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the food shelf. Copies of his two collections of Bartholomew Christmas stories, Getting Ready for Christmas and The Christmas Promise will be available for purchase at the reading, with all proceeds going to the food shelf.