CHRISTMAS Day is different for everyone, but the common denominator in Leeton is always that the day should be spent surrounded by laughs, good food and festive spirit.
For many years now a small band of residents has been organising the Leeton Community Christmas Lunch.
The event is held on Christmas Day and is a place for those who are without family or friends in town on the festive day, those who perhaps may not have the means to put on a big spread or others looking for somewhere to spend the day in a fun environment.
A delicious two-course spread is put on, gifts are handed out and everyone goes home with a sense of community and belonging.
In the lead up to the lunch money is raised via various methods to not only cover the costs of the food and gifts, but to also supply further presents to those living in Leeton and Narrandera's aged care homes and sick children in hospital in Sydney.
It's a huge feat for the small committee.
The 2021 event went off a treat, according to committee member Fran Artese.
"We had around 80 people on the day, which was good considering people were concerned with COVID," she said.
"(There were) lots of amazing volunteers who helped out (on the day). Father Robert called in to say hi.
"Everyone said they enjoyed their meal, Franky (Fiumara) once again donated the hams, the Golden Chicken cooked the chickens fresh that morning plus donated a turkey roll.
"Lisa Schmetzer, Dionne Wornes and others cooked all the veggies. Plus I was donated a gift card from Bev and Alan Waters and that went towards buying soft drinks, water and nibbles.
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"Whatever food was left over was picked up by the Leeton Community Op Shop's One Leeton program and taken to people who couldn't make the lunch.
"We had so many donations this year it meant we were able to buy more gifts and help a lot more people."
For the last two years the event has moved from its traditional home at the St Peter's Anglican Church due to COVID restrictions, but organisers hope to see it return to its original location in 2022.
The committee is always looking for new members to help out. Ms Artese said people can give as much or as little time as they choose as it all helps.
For more information visit the group's Facebook page by searching Leeton Community Christmas Lunch.
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