YORK, Pa. — LifePath Christian Ministries in York hosted its annual Christmas meal on Monday, granting the opportunity for more than 30 volunteers to give back to those who need it most.
"I just wanted to be here to give back," said Ron Falciano, a volunteer from York. "This is what the holidays are about. It’s the hustle, it’s the bustle [and it's] being there for people on this special day."
The community holiday meal serves more than 700 people in need, along with 60 meals for local first responders.
Planning for the event begins weeks in advance and includes the preparation of 62 turkeys, 400 pounds of stuffing, 325 pounds of green bean casserole, 150 pounds of seafood, 200 pounds of rice pilaf and 65 desserts.
It's a significant holiday undertaking that the organization says would not be possible without the giving spirit of volunteers.
"Without them, we couldn’t pull this off," said Patrick Ball, interim CEO at LifePath Christian Ministries. "People are very happy and willing and able to help, and it’s just been really cool to kind of feel that positive energy."
For the volunteers, it's a chance to make a positive difference in the community they love.
"It’s just the feeling you get of knowing [that] you’ve helped these people," said Katrina Cooper, a volunteer from New Freedom, York County. "You’re making a difference, in that respect, to that person [who's now] able to have a great meal today."
"I love being part of the community," expressed Falciano. "I love it here in York. I just want to contribute and be a positive force in the community."
The holiday meal is a way for the helpers to amplify what the holiday season is all about.
"People lose sight of what the holidays are really about. It’s not the gifts," explained Falciano. "It’s family, it’s friends, it’s getting together with people that you love and you care about. These are people you want to care about; you want to help [and] make them feel a part of things."
The event makes way for a giving Christmas spirit to fill the space, one in which participants hope can live beyond this one special day.
"This is something we need to be doing every day. Christmas has to live in your heart 365 days a year," said Falciano. "You have to remember that."