About 120 guests are expected to dine and share company for the 11th annual Christmas lunch at Hampton Park Uniting Church.
Uniting Place is seeking volunteers to help lavish its guests with a traditional two-course Christmas meal with entertainment and a “sense of belonging”.
Many of the guests had visited the centre’s Thursday community meals and received free groceries through the year.
The lunch is put on for those who feel “excluded” at Christmas, either through financial stress or loneliness.
It also “fills the gap” in support services, which are closed over the Christmas break when many need them.
“Some people dread Christmas because of the expectations for social gatherings with family where relationships are strained or they do not have family,” a Uniting Place spokesperson said.
“When it seems as though everyone else is getting together to have a great time, it can enhance people’s feelings of loneliness.”
The volunteers are described as “everyday heroes” who welcome, listen, put up decorations, cook and pack up.
They make “a little more joy in the world”.
The lunch begins 11.30am on Christmas Day.
To volunteer or be part of the lunch, contact Hampton Park Uniting Church’s Facebook page, email narrehamptonparkuc@bigpond.com or call 9799 7994.
