When the Tauranga Free Christmas Dinner kicked off 25 years ago volunteers ferried meals to five people locked up in the police cells and the cops joined them for lunch at their church.
St Peters in the City volunteer George McMillan said it was "all experimental stuff" back then.
In the initial years of the event, sandwich boards were set up on Cameron Rd and people were welcomed in off the streets, with about 130 people showing up.
Mr McMillan said if one person was helped then it was worth it.
This year, Mr McMillan is in charge of collecting small presents for children which will be handed out at the dinner.
He was unsure of his duties on the day but said he will "just do what they tell me".
"Christians are committed to help the needy and bring the lonely into the church. It has been lovely seeing it grow and I think anything lasting 25 years must be right."
Senior minister and co-ordinator Simon McLeay said he was delighted with the response for volunteers for the Christmas dinner and no more were required.
"We could quite possibly have 100 helping out in different ways. I think often people want to give back a little bit and capture some of the giving spirit at Christmas.
"There are a number of families helping out that will bring along their children for the experience."
Up to 230 people would be catered for at dinner, which took three months to organise, he said.
"It's a real highlight to see the kids and older folks with smiles on their faces. A real mix of people come along, including extended families that could not easily do a meal together, as well as some homeless people and a reasonable number of elderly."
The simple menu consisted of ham and chicken, roast vegetables, new potatoes and peas.
A lot of that food had been donated by members of the church, Mr McLeay said.
"I came up with a list of maybe 40 things a couple of weeks ago and put a list out. It filled up the first Sunday I got back, it's wonderful some families say they will buy a ham and another a sack of potatoes.
"It's a really enjoyable for church members as some can't be there on the day but want to contribute."