A strictly volunteer effort that provided Christmas dinner to about 900 people should give everyone a warm feeling about Lawrence.

The Community Christmas Dinner group that fed hundreds of people at the First United Methodist Church Tuesday and delivered meals to those who couldn’t get out truly understands the spirit of the holiday.

Before Christmas, we urged local residents to adopt families, make donations and reach out to those less fortunate. It’s only fitting, then, that we now say thank you to the many local residents who did just that.

Although First United Methodist Church generously provides space for the dinner, the group that organizes the event isn’t affiliated with the church. It is about 125 volunteers who give of their time on and near Christmas Day to make the holiday a little brighter for others. The volunteers ask nothing in return, but they say they can’t think of a better way to spend the holiday.

Good for them. Good for everyone who stepped up to help someone this holiday season. You may have rung a bell for the Salvation Army or dropped some money in one of their pots. You might have donated a coat or a toy or bought a gift card that allowed a local family to purchase the ingredients for a favorite holiday feast. Maybe you took supplies to the Lawrence Humane Society or went caroling at a local care facility. These individual acts of good will have a big impact on our community.

Volunteering is a year-round activity for many area residents. This community couldn’t run without all the people who are willing to give their time and resources either directly to those in need or to agencies that provide services to our less fortunate residents.

We probably don’t say it enough, but, especially around the holidays, it warms our hearts to see so many caring people who understand the joy of helping others. Those who reach out to others reap as many rewards as those they help.

Thank you, Lawrence, for everything you do at the holidays and all year long. You make this a better place for everyone.