The event is usually a sit-down lunch, but due to the virus it was changed to an express giveaway where 80 volunteers handed out food, drinks, toys and giftbags for people to take away. Samaritans organised 500 hampers, while another 150 were donated by Soul Cafe.

Samaritans Christmas lunch coordinator Dana Pichaloff said while she wished they could have welcomed people for lunch, it was still wonderful to be able to bring Christmas cheer to many. She was also blown away by how much had been donated for the event.

"I get really overwhelmed by the generosity, it brings tears to my eyes," she said. "One volunteer made 350 bags of cookies to give away.

Ms Pichaloff said a wide range of people came down to take part in the event.

"People think it's just the homeless or those down on their luck, but some people are just on their own and don't want to cook for themselves. It's all about inclusion.

"They're really grateful and shocked by the generosity."

Cassandra Mercer made the trek from The Entrance to Newcastle with her partner Brian and two girls Kayzia and Telesha for the event.

They usually go to a similar event at Wyong, but it was called off this year.

"The girls have heaps of fun," she said. "It's a great day."

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