NORWICH – The second annual Bandera Family Christmas Dinner was held last week with more than 600 meals being provided for free to Chenango County families.

According to Bandera Family Christmas Dinner Volunteer Coordinator Brianna Curley, this year's dinner was another success, and next year event organizers hope to feed even more around the holiday season.

“I think last year there were about 700 participants, so while there were fewer this year our plan for next year is to reach out to local agencies and focus on getting the word out even more,” said Curley. “That being said the support we got from the community was absolutely amazing, and we had approximately 150 volunteers help out with the event.”

“I cant thank the volunteers enough; I feel so fortunate to be part of a community that cares about the people they live with, and I can’t think the volunteers enough for showing up and supporting this event.”

Curley said it’s important that families and individuals don’t spend Christmas alone, and that the dinner is a way for people to come together and spend the holiday in a safe, warm environment.