ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Dozens of people attended the free Easter Dinner at the Elmira Community Kitchen Sunday afternoon. While the purpose of the event was to feed those in need, it was also a way for people to hang out and get to know each other.

"I like to hang out with people and all that, because I don’t have family. I come over here because this is my family. I'm just glad they have it, because I'd have no where to go if they didn’t have it," said Scott Kitchin, an Elmira resident who attended the free dinner.

Mary Churchill has volunteered for Catholic Charities for over a decade. She said Catholic Charities started serving meals again for the three holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) once the majority of COVID mandates and guidelines were lifted. "The real function of this (the free meals) now is not only to serve a meal, but to provide a social outlet, in a social environment for the guests that attend. There are many people that come here because they’re alone. They want that social outlet, and it’s also a great place for volunteers to mingle with and provide service to those of our community," said Churchill.

Churchill believes volunteering and giving back to the community is important. She also believes having people start volunteering at a young age is good for them. "I think volunteerism is more important than it’s ever been before. The more (young) people that volunteer, (the more) they get a firm footing as a young person to commit themselves to a life of volunteerism. We are a somewhat rural and regional community where a lot of the services that are provided in larger cities and towns are not available. In order for these organizations to be able to do this, they rely on volunteerism," said Churchill.

After people finished their meals, kids were able to pick out a stuffed animal to take home with them, and the adults received an Easter themed mug.

If you or someone you know is in need of a free meal, the Elmira Community Kitchen (also known as the Saints Peter and Paul Church Community Center, near St. Joseph’s Hospital) is located at 160 High Street, Elmira, N.Y. 

 The free meals that are served regularly are as follows:

Lunch is served: Monday, Tuesday (except the fourth Tuesday each month when Dinner is served), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and the last Saturday of the month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Dinner is served: fourth Tuesday of the month, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information on Catholic Charities, click here.