The Christmas season is chock full of holiday cheer and gift giving, as well as a host of emblematic seasonal characters that make their way to movie screens and local events. The season also presents opportunities to support those most in need.

On Friday, Dec. 19, the St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford, Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Society will host an annual event that combines both of these holiday pastimes.

The conference’s annual Winter Wonderland will take place at 7 p.m. at 32 Highbridge Blvd., Medford, as local neighbors allow their yard to be converted into a gathering space for Santa Claus, Yukon Cornelius (the lovable arctic prospector from the classic Rankin/Bass TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”), reindeer, Christmas decorations, a nativity display, and carolers from Shawnee High School.

All are welcome to join in the festivities, though guests are asked to bring nonperishable food items that can be donated to the conference, which serves the Burlington County communities of Medford, Medford Lakes, Browns Mills, Pemberton Township and Moorestown.

In 2013, the conference provided some 190 families and more than 200 children with a Thanksgiving dinner – complete with all of the trimmings – and more than 200 families and close to 300 children with a Christmas dinner, gift cards, toiletries and blankets.

The Winter Wonderland donations help to re-stock the supply of goods kept in the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Jones Road in Medford, for those in need in the surrounding community.