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KINGSFORD -- Instead of just giving to the poor or those in need from the church, First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford today served a Christmas dinner to anyone in the community who was interested...free of charge.  The 16th annual dinner has become a community tradition.

"The whole point of this meal is to get together and fellowship with each other and it is an entire community event,”  said First Presbyterian Pastor Michael March.  “It's not just one church or just all the churches, it's the entire community.  They come together and they enjoy each other and they have a good time and fellowship with each other and enjoy each others company."

This year 700 meals were served both in the church and through home delivery.

The event attracts people from all over the community to volunteer or just enjoy a Christmas dinner with friends and family.

"My parents have been coming and they bring me every year,” said Catherine March.  “It's just kind of a tradition that we do on Christmas; right after we open presents, we come here."

"We don't have any children at home anymore,” said Don Flaminio, a volunteer meal driver.  “So it's something to look forward to and we love delivering to the people that can't get here."

Pastor March said the event brings community together regardless of religion, and he looks forward to it every year.

"It's the highlight of my Christmas every year,” he said, “to see the people come out and see the smiles.  People come year after year and maybe it's the only time I see them.  But it's just an interesting, wonderful event and as you can see, everybody here is having a great time."

The people at First Presbyterian weren't the only ones getting Christmas dinners.  More than 400 dinners were delivered to residents across the area, free of charge.