With all of the presents received during the Christmas season, it can be easy to lose sight of what is also important about the holiday: giving.

On Christmas Eve, members of five churches gathered at New Freedom Church of God in Christ to prepare Christmas meals for any family who wanted them. An estimated 300 meals were packaged during the event’s third year.

The aromatic meals included chicken, green beans, potato salad, corn and dessert.

Fannie Smith, one of the coordinators of the event, says it is all about being able to reach out to the community.

“What we wanted to do is let them know that the church is here,” Smith said. “We want to give back. I think when a church is located in an area then that church should be an open door for letting people know that we’re here to help.”

Along with New Freedom Church of God in Christ, the other four churches that took part were Spirit of Excellence Church, Power House Church of Jesus Christ, Abundant Truth Salt & Light Ministry and Holy Temple Church of God.

“Christmastime is about being able to give a gift,” Smith added. “Sometimes a gift can be a smile. It’s a special time and we know that we received the greatest gift of all, and that was Jesus. But we do a lot of other things to say, ‘let me meet your needs.’”

And Smith says those needs can vary.

“We’re here to try and meet your needs, not only spiritually, but also to talk to you and feed you,” she said. “We want to feed you spiritually, but also naturally, too.”