One of the organisers, Alistair Ross, of Alexandra, and a team of about 20 volunteers produced and served a three-course Christmas dinner at noon at the Alexandra Bowling Club for anyone wanting company on Christmas Day.
About 110 people booked for the dinner and they were a ''real mix'', ranging from senior residents of the town or other locals who were on their own at Christmas, through to seasonal workers based in the district for the fruit season, Mr Ross said.
The dinner is run by a trust and many items are donated, including Christmas crackers, lollies, Central Otago cherries and wine, Mr Ross said.
The bowling club provided the venue free of charge. Diners are asked for a donation towards the meal.
On the menu yesterday was a starter of shrimp cocktail, followed by roast pork and crackling, chicken, peas, new potatoes and cauliflower cheese. Dessert was plum pudding, fruit salad and trifle.
Heather Payne, of Alexandra, said it was her fifth year helping out as hostess.
''It's nice to do something for the community and the guests love it. It's a wonderful thing to be part of it and I enjoy it - it gives me the warm fuzzies,'' she said.
Diner Rosemary Drake said the feeling was reciprocated by those on the receiving end of the hospitality.
''It's the friendship that brings me back - the friendship and fellowship. The volunteers are wonderful and they give their time so graciously and it's a really fun day.''
