The United Methodist Church in Hudson played host to a free Christmas dinner today where more than 100 volunteers donated their time and energy. Volunteers helped cook, prepare, serve more than 250 meals, and clean up at the event. 

"We can do this because these people get the spirit of it," said United Methodist Pastor Bruce Stunkard."This is our re-imagination of Christmas. Instead of every family just spending Christmas alone at home with their presents from Santa Claus,  they spend time here all together. That's a real gift."

The meal included generous portions of ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, applesauce, bread, olives, pickles and pie. Members of Boy Scout Troop 213 delivered 15 meals to those who couldn't make the trip and offered rides to those who wanted to make the trip but didn't have transportation.

"It's nice to be able to do stuff like this on Christmas," said Boy Scout Joseph Hansen, 13.

In addition to the meal, the United Methodist Church congregation donated items, such as canned food, caps, scarves and sundries, that members of the community could pick up on their way out. There was even a giant cooler with free turkeys.

Volunteer coordinator Carol Benish has helped put on the event for three years in a row.