More than 40 volunteer participated.
SOMERVILLE -- Easter Sunday brought many to the Easter Holiday Meals program at the United Reformed Church in Somerville.
The Easter meals program has more than 40 volunteers who prepared a donated meal of turkey, ham, all the sides and dessert for hundreds in need.
"It's very uplifting to see how happy it makes the volunteers who give up a holiday for others," said event organizer Tom O'Leary.
O'Leary runs the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program in Somerville and serves those in need. Years ago O'Leary was homeless and the holiday seasons were always the loneliest.
Gina Hernandez volunteered as a Hillsborough High School freshman 26 years ago and hasn't missed an Easter meal yet. This year, for the first time, she brought her daughter Ava Hernandez, 6.
"This is my family, the volunteers and those who come," said Hernandez.
All who dine are greeted at the door and seated at a table where a volunteer takes their order and delivers the food and drink to the table.
Each table has hand drawn place mats, Easter decorations and candy spread out on the table.
Volunteer Antie Celli worked up a sweat in the kitchen mashing 80 pounds of potatoes by hand.
"The food is good and it's a proper meal," said Margaret Riehle of Bound Brook. "God Bless and Happy Easter," added Riehlle to all the volunteers.
"I like seeing genuine appreciation and knowing people leave with a smile, " said Gina Hernandez.
Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Ed on Twitter at @EdMurrayPhoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.