KELLY BURNS
Thirteen-year-old Matthew McCann will be leaving his presents behind on Christmas day and will be busy helping others.
The Havelock Intermediate schoolboy is having a different kind of Christmas this year, volunteering at LifeChurch's community lunch.
But while it took a little convincing, the idea grew on him.
"Well, it was mum's idea - but it's good to help people out for Christmas," he said.
The spirit of Christmas is alive in the McCann clan, with his mum Pam, dad, Tony and twin brother Bradley set to join him at the lunch.
It will be the family's first Christmas volunteering, helping to serve food and mingle with guests.
"We always have a happy Christmas and we wanted some other people to have a happy Christmas as well," Matthew said.
LifeChurch Hastings is hosting a Christmas feast for people who may be facing the day alone, or cannot celebrate the day in true style.
After casting flyers around town and to social agencies, the church has been overwhelmed with responses.
More than 200 people - including 34 volunteers - have signed up for the Christmas feast, and church members are busy bracing themselves for the flurry of hungry diners on Monday.
Guest will dine on a two-course Christmas meal, of ham, goose, chicken, salads, vegetables, desserts and other treats.
Local stores have supplied food, seating and money to help meet costs of holding the lunch.
This is the second year the church has hosted the dinner, and it is growing by the year, with 120 guests last year.
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