IF THERE'S one thing Leeton is known for, it's that even when times are tough the community will always band together.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's exactly what has happened in 2020 with the Leeton Community Christmas Lunch, which will be going ahead with all the festive trimmings.
It's been a tough year for the volunteers of the event with COVID-19 putting a stop to the majority of fundraising activities, which helps to pay for the lunch itself, as well as providing gifts.
MORE NEWS:
The committee also lost one of their much-loved members and volunteers in the Buster Ryan who died in an accident in October.
Mr Ryan is being honoured with a wooden memorial Christmas giving tree, which is currently at the Golden Apple, where residents can pick a tag and then buy a present for the age group that has been printed on that tag.
"Buster was a big part of our committee and he always just wanted to make sure the festive spirit was there and that all the kids had toys on Christmas," committee member Fran Artese said.
While the lunch is going ahead, some changes have had to be made. Numbers are capped and the venue has had to be moved to the Leeton Jockey Club.
What hasn't changed is the delicious two-course festive meal that will be on offer on Christmas Day for families, people who can't be with their loved ones and everyone in between.
Anyone wanting to volunteer on the day can contact the group through its Facebook page and those wanting to attend need to RSVP by filling out the forms available at the op shop, Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul and other locations before December 18.
Gifts from the giving tree will also be donated to nursing homes in the shire, Gralee School, the Forever Johnno initiative, children's hospitals and the MIA's women's refuge.
