ABOUT 160 people will break bread at a special Christmas Day Lunch in Wodonga on Monday.
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St Stephen’s Uniting Church has been hosting the lunch for needy or isolated people in the community for almost two decades.
Christmas Day Lunch coordinator Cindy Marsh said it was an important tradition for the church.
“It’s an event that is definitely supported by the Albury-Wodonga community,” she said.
“People believe in this event because I don’t think anyone has been through life and not found themselves isolated or without somewhere to go to, to connect with people on an important day like Christmas Day.”
Ms Marsh said 40 volunteers would serve the hot two-course meal of turkey, ham and Christmas pudding.
She said community donations have been staggering this year.
“We’ve had everything from food to bon bons to salt and pepper shakers and soft drinks,” she said.
“FoodShare has been incredibly generous as have Bellbridge Rotarians who provided food.
“We try not to do presents because Christmas to us is about the sharing of a meal and about conversations.
“If you look at how Jesus led his life, he used to eat meals with people and speak to people; that’s what Christmas is all about.”
Yackandandah will share the spirit of Christmas at a Community Christmas Lunch on Monday.
Everyone – singles, couples and families – is invited to a hot lunch from 11.30am at Butson Park, Yackandandah.
RSVP is preferred for catering purposes but not essential for families to Carmel Kelley on 0418 242 105 or email carmelkelley@bigpond.com.
Cost to the alcohol-free event is a gold coin donation.
Wangaratta Mexican restaurant Zambrero will make a difference to 100 people this Christmas.
It has handed out 100 vouchers for lunch at the Wangaratta eatery on Christmas Day.
As CareVan does not operate on Christmas Day, Zambrero Wangaratta has stepped in to fill the void.
“A total of 100 vouchers have been handed out via the CareVan inviting those in need in the local community to a private Christmas Lunch at Zambrero on Christmas Day,” a Zambrero spokeswoman said.
A meal, drink and dessert will be given to those with an invitation.
Zambrero already contributes to the fight against world hunger by donating a meal to someone in need for every burrito or bowl sold.
Zambreros throughout Australia have donated nearly 20 million meals across the globe.
