Wendy Miller made up her mind to organise and personally cook a free "Christmas for the Community" dinner at the Owaka Community Centre for as many as 100 people in need of company and a proper festive meal.
"I know more and more people are doing it hard these days.
"So our Christmas dinner is open to anybody who is feeling the pinch or feels a little bit isolated, especially the elderly," Ms Miller said.
"There are also a lot of newcomers to the district and this would be a great way to meet people ..."
Ms Miller is being joined by friends and family. Her core team of caterers also has the support of a community network.
Owaka Lions are on board, Meals on Wheels helped spread the word and the reduced hall fee was covered by a donor.
Clutha Developments took over management of the group’s social media page and business has also stepped in.
Owaka Library is operating as a hub for people to register interest or for bookings to be taken and a van is being organised for limited transport.
"Some people offered their specialty, others wanted to help but didn’t know how [so] just asked," Ms Miller said.
The menu would offer hot ham, lamb, mutton or hogget, plus a white meat option, "probably chicken".
Vegetables would include baby carrots and peas, with broccoli and cauliflower cheese bakes.
Dessert would feature the Miller family specialty, "Nana’s plum-pudding" for the older ones.
Christmas music would play throughout the day and children would be able to draw and colour on table paper supplied by The Clutha Leader.
The plan was for guests to begin arriving from 11.30am on Christmas. The dinner ends by 4pm.
