Room for all at Christmas lunch

The lonely and struggling have been invited to a share a festive meal at the annual Room at the Inn lunch on Christmas Day at the Masterton Town Hall.

Early bookings are already rolling in for this year's Room At The Inn Christmas community lunch - but don't worry, there will be plenty of table space no matter how many people want to attend, organisers say.

With the help of the community and Masterton businesses and a "heap" of volunteers, the lonely and struggling are once again being offered a slap-up Christmas dinner at a festive event in the Masterton Town Hall on Christmas Day.

Masterton Community Church Pastor Pete Hampson said that last year numbers were up, with 140 people taking in the luncheon. The way bookings were going, there were sure to be record numbers taking in the free meal this year.

"It's full steam ahead," he said. "We've already had about 60 people ring up and book in."

Many people in the community found themselves alone and many were just struggling to put food on the table, Mr Hampson said. The theme for the luncheon is "Don't spend the day alone".

"People are finding it tough out there. With families scattered today, it can be a lonely time of year for people. We'd like them to come," he said.

Every year, dozens of people give up the day to serve or cook, with businesses providing food or money for the event.

Organisers are looking for volunteers to help set up in the days leading up to the luncheon, to help out on the day and then clean up.

"So many people have made it happen, simply year on year," he said.

A meeting will be held at the Masterton Community Church at 5.30pm on Monday, December 22.

Organisers are also calling on "talented" people to provide entertainment on the day.

-If you can volunteer, provide anything for the festive lunch, or simply need to book your space at the table, call the church on (06) 377 1598.