MARS — While most families enjoy a mirthful holiday season surrounded by smiling loved ones, those struggling with a cancer diagnosis may find it difficult to contend with all the chores and tasks that come with Christmas.


When that realization hit him this year, Mars native Joshua Zimmerman decided to do something about it.


Zimmerman, who is an accomplished chef, prepared 11 holiday meals with all the trimmings and delivered them to area families affected by the disease that took the life of his mother, Viola Zimmerman, in the summer of 2016.


“She always loved the holidays and all the food,” Zimmerman said, “so I thought it would be nice.”
 He prepared the meals on Friday in the kitchen at the Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company's reception hall.
 He said the fire company donated the facilities and even provided poinsettias to be delivered with the meals.


Ham, scalloped potatoes, garden salad, cookies and cupcakes were delivered to 11 area homes by Zimmerman on Friday evening and Saturday.


“They're all precooked,” Zimmerman said. “All they have to do is warm them up.”