Held at Hope Bathurst church on Christmas Day, the lunch is open to anyone in the community.

Lunch organiser Barney Rumble said hundreds of people of all ages attended each year.

Volunteers are needed for a range of roles including to wrap presents for people who attend, and also to serve food to guests and clear up afterwards.

“We always get plenty of volunteers, Bathurst is really for good for that sort of stuff,” Mr Rumble said.

“People usually get a buzz out of volunteering.”

Santa will pay a visit during the lunch, and donations of presents are needed to ensure that every child who attends receives a gift.

“If you are going to wrap presents, please put the sex and age [of the intended recipient] on it,” Mr Rumble said.

Presents are needed for adults who attend the lunch, and Mr Rumble has welcomed donations of gifts from the community.

Donations of presents for adults and children can be dropped off at the Hope Bathurst church on Hereford Street or to the Hope Care Bargain Centre on Russell Street (opposite ALDI).

“If you’re struggling to drop off we can organise a pick up,” Mr Rumble said.

And while lunch will be provided, he said a few extras always help to make the day special.

“We need all kinds of goodies, like bon bons, soft drinks, lollies and presents,” he said.

For people thinking about coming along to dine at the lunch, Mr Rumble said it is open to everyone and will commence at 12.30pm.

Bookings for the lunch are vital for catering purposes.

“It’s a great place to go when you’ve got nowhere to go,” he said.

“If you need transport to the lunch, let us know.”

To book in to be a guest at the lunch, or to volunteer, call The Neighbourhood Centre on 6332 4866.

Mr Rumble has called on businesses to get involved and said there was a range of sponsorship opportunities open for the community event.

Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Barney Rumble on 0409 785 990.