NEOSHO, MO.--- "I can't think of a better way to spend my Christmas," states Roberta Foster, Community Dinner Coordinator.
People from all walks of life in the Neosho community made their way to the Civic Center for the 10th annual Neosho Community Christmas Dinner.
"There are a lot of people that have nobody else to spend Christmas with and we want this to be a place that people can come and not be alone at Christmas time," says Foster.
Organizers began preparing for the event in October, collecting donations, food, and servers.
"We put the word out that we need volunteers and this community just pours in with the volunteers," states Foster.
This year, almost 80 people donated their time to help prepare and serve more than 550 meals.
"We did send out close to 90 meals to those that are home bound or couldn't come in, so we're expecting between 375 and 400 people right here," says Foster.
Iris Elliott has been volunteering with the community dinner for the last 5 Christmases. She says it is a great way to meet people in the Neosho area.
"They become like family," states Iris Elliott, Volunteer.
Elliott believes serving others is the best way anyone can spend their holiday.
"We get to talking to some of them, and they get to talking about what is going on in their life and the sadness, the loneliness they feel. I can share that feeling so I can relate well to them," says Elliott.
Members of "Teen Challenge Neosho" also lent a helping hand.
"We want to get the guys out here and give back to the community because the community of Neosho has done so much to support our program," states Todd Vanwinkle, Teen Challenge Counselor.
Organizers and volunteers agree, the Neosho Community Christmas Dinner represents the true meaning of Christmas.
"That's what this is all about, giving back to others," states Vanwinkle.
The dinner is sponsored by KNEO Radio in Neosho and organizers say donations from businesses and individuals make the event possible.
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