The annual Alexandra Community Christmas Dinner, due to be held on Christmas Day, was cancelled this week due to a lack of volunteers for vital roles.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said it would be a great thing if the community took in people who had nowhere else to go.
''There isn't a year goes by where we don't have a fruit picker at our table.''
However, he did not know how people should go about this.
The cancellation was unfortunate for the community, he said.
''These things rely on volunteers and Christmas Day is one of the only times we get to spend time with our families.''
The event, held every Christmas Day for about 16 years, would not go ahead as no-one could be found to organise the dinner. A head cook also could not be found.
Co-organiser Alistair Ross said many volunteers had come forward, just not for these important roles.
Mr Ross, John Lowery and Jan Robb previously organised the dinner but this year they were unable to balance this with being trustees.
It would be too late even if someone put their hand up now, Mr Ross said.
''Time is against us now, unfortunately. It's a sign of the times that everyone is so busy. We will certainly reconvene next year and look to continue things.''
The dinner was popular among fruit pickers, backpackers and other people with no family in the area.
Last year about 120 people attended the event, the only community Christmas dinner of its kind in Central Otago.
Volunteering Central senior co-ordinator Gillian White said most of the volunteers who came from Alexandra were locals, which might explain the difficulty in filling key roles.
''The holidays are a difficult time to find helpers who are willing to take on commitments.''
When advertising for volunteers, it was important to let them know the personal benefits, she said.
