By David Karas | Correspondent

For three hours on Christmas Day, the parish hall in St. Mary Church, Manahawkin, was transformed into a gathering place for nearly 300 guests and some 80 volunteers.

Complete with a freshly cooked dinner, a generous spread of baked goods and a variety of donated items – including food, clothing and prizes – the afternoon helped to provide a proper Christmas celebration to the less fortunate and those who might not have company for the holiday.

The idea came about when Michael and Gail Rua realized while volunteering to distribute meals to the homebound for Thanksgiving, that nothing was being done in the local community in honor of Christmas. The couple, along with another family, began five years ago by distributing meals in a local park, but a year later the meal was adopted by and expanded within St. Mary Parish.

It just grew,” said Gail Rua, who remarked how this year’s turnout – nearly 300 guests – was more than ever before.

She said that she and her family are constantly overwhelmed – by the volume of donations that come in, the volunteers who give up part of their Christmas to serve and interact with the guests, and how the operation continues to expand.

“It is (great) seeing everyone come together,” Rua said. “The generosity of people overwhelms us each year. It shows you the good.”

She said that the annual dinner draws volunteers and guests from beyond the St. Mary community, including members of other area Catholic parishes as well as those from other religious denominations and traditions.

“All of the community gets involved,” she said, adding that the family’s garage was overflowing with donations of goods for this year’s dinner. “Every day I came home I would find donations on my porch.”

Volunteer Maryann said that she was happy to help, especially since her family celebrates together on Christmas Eve.

“I cannot believe how many people are here,” she remarked.

The dinner included Christmas gifts being handed out to children, and a range of non-perishable good items and clothing being distributed to guests, who could essentially “go shopping” for the things they needed.

There was also a magic show, a range of door prizes and, of course, plenty of holiday tunes to spread holiday cheer.

Michael Rua, Jr., who works with his parents to coordinate the annual dinner, expressed his gratitude to a number of groups and organizations for supporting the dinner, including St. Mary parishioners, the McKinley Avenue School staff, the Boy and Girl Scout Troops of Ocean County, the Knitting Club, Toy Run and the many families and individuals who offered their support.

He also thanked the volunteers of Ken’s Kitchen, based in the parish hall, which distributes more than 80 meals through Meals on Wheels each week, not to mention the many meals served on site.

Edward Joswick, the chef for Ken’s Kitchen, said that he enjoys serving in honor of his late wife, who passed away six years ago. While admitting that the Christmas dinner is a significant undertaking, he said that it is very much a labor of love.

Parishioner Matthew Tatur said that his family wanted to find a way to give back this holiday season through volunteering for the dinner. He said that smiling, greeting and talking with the guests is incredibly rewarding.

“It allows me to connect with them, physically and spiritually,” Tatur said. “I believe it has a direct connection to the reason why Christmas is celebrated.”