THE true meaning of Christmas was in full view at a special Leeton event on the big day itself.
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For some years now the Leeton Community Christmas Lunch has been held on December 25, offering a two-course feast.
The day is aimed at those who might be spending Christmas alone, who have no family or friends in the area and those who have no other place to go.
The Leeton Community Christmas Lunch committee is a small band of volunteers, who throughout the year work hard to ensure the day is a success.
Helpers arrive on the day to serve and dish up the meals, as well as distribute presents to those gathered at the St Peter's Hall.
However, in more recent times the day has become much more than what happens on December 25.
Businesses and residents eagerly jump on the cause to donate funds towards the lunch, ensuring everyone is well fed and watered.
"We have so much wonderful support from businesses every year ... some donate huge amounts of money because they know it goes towards what we do and it all stays in town," organiser Fran Artese said.
"It's just amazing the generosity. We have schools getting involved. Places like the Golden Apple always support us with our giving tree and they donate towards the lunch too.
"People leave gifts for the giving tree, which are then taken free-of-charge by a local truck company to Sydney and given to kids in hospital as part of the Forever Johnno Foundation.
"It's all linked to the lunch and why it was started. Every year we are just blown away by people's generosity."
Around 80 people attended the lunch on Christmas Day, but there were some unable to make it due to illness, so their meals were delivered by volunteers from the Salvation Army.
It takes a community - school students pre-cook some of the food for the day, while others get up early on Christmas morning to do just that for attendees.
Those wanting to play a role can easily do so, more committee members are needed to ensure the day can continue.
"We'd love some more committee members for the bits and pieces during the year ... people don't need to give up a lot of their time, we just need some more to come on board," Ms Artese said.
"We always have plenty of volunteers on the actual day, which is so amazing. We couldn't do it without them."
