Mary Mac's celebrates Christmas
Mary Mac's Place at Woy Woy celebrated Christmas on Wednesday, December 22, with community members who were homeless or "doing it tough".
Project coordinator Ms Christine Burge said there was a record number of 231 people served Christmas lunch.
"Guests were served a Christmas lunch of ham, chicken, vegetables, salads and desserts by 20 volunteers at Mary Macs Place," said Ms Burge.
"Each of the guests was given a small gift of toiletries for the adults and Christmas stockings for the children," said Ms Burge.
Ms Burge also said the initial planning for the Christmas celebration was providing for 150 guests but in the week before the celebration this number was revised to 240.
"The Christmas celebration was a much longer day than usual with the first volunteers arriving to set tables and decorate at 7am and the final clean up being completed after 4pm."
On Christmas Eve, all those who attended were given a Christmas Hamper provided by the House of Praise Church.
"The success of the celebration was made possible by the generosity of a large number of individuals and organisations in our community as well as the loyal volunteers of Mary Mac's Place," she said.
Local businesses donated hams, chickens, salads, puddings, cakes and trimmings such as bon bons, custard, chips, nuts, lollies, soft drinks, tableware, and their staff attended the lunch to assist with serving.
Ms Burge said Rose Kinney and Lance Clarke and their families and friends worked tirelessly to prepare and serve potato bake, chicken, trifle, bread and butter pudding.
Media release, 7 Jan 2011
Christine Burge, Mary Mac's Place