In Tampa, Florida, a significant crowd gathered at Feeding Tampa Bay’s Causeway Center on Christmas Eve, eager to partake in a complimentary holiday meal.

The food bank coordinated the event, catering to around 500 pre-registered individuals, along with additional walk-ins who joined the festive gathering.

Numerous families, some comprising up to 15 members, arrived to enjoy the special meal. Attendees were also given a frozen Christmas dinner to take home and enjoy later.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones,” expressed Tampa local Phebie White. “I absolutely love it, and so does everyone else.”

New Tampa resident Pamela Murphy, originally from Delaware, shared her feelings, saying, “This event has helped me find a new family here. Meeting everyone makes me feel like I’m no longer alone.”

Feeding Tampa Bay’s chief operating officer Rhonda Gindlesperger said the meals are about more than food.

“It’s important every day that we do this, but in particular during the holidays, having an opportunity to connect with another human being is really important,” Gindlesperger said.

Before leaving, White and her friends shared their own spin on a holiday classic.

“Feeding Tampa Bay. This is the most wonderful place of the year. Dong, ding, dong!”

Feeding Tampa Bay’s Causeway location will be closed on Christmas Day. Their cafe in Trinity will offer a Christmas meal to anyone who shows up from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.