The most recent Christmas Lunch went “exceptionally well”, with a big increase in numbers compared to the year before.

Have a Heart Community Trust and Echo Church joined forces once again to deliver a joyful meal to everyone in the community who attended.

Have a Heart founder Chris Barnard said 250 people turned out for the lunch, with carols, presents, Christmas crackers and a photo booth nativity scene set-up for families to enjoy.

New World Whakatāne and Julians Berry Farm provided food and fruit for the menu, and all leftovers were handed out at the end of the afternoon. Smokin Goose provided Christmas crackers.

“The nativity scene was an absolute winner, and families loved taking photographs with it. That was a highlight,” Mr Barnard said.

Quality gifts were donated from One Double X’s Cram the Van initiative, with all children at the lunch receiving gifts, and parents were even able to bring some home for children not at the event.

“For parents who couldn’t buy their children any big presents this year, their children really appreciated such quality presents,” Mr Barnard said.

The volunteers were “amazing”, with 60 showing up on Christmas Eve to set up the War Memorial Hall in only an hour and a half, and 100 turning out on Christmas Day to host, help in the kitchen and pack down.

Have a Heart administrator Maria Wessels said people “just wanted to help”.

“It really was a case of the community coming together to serve the community,” she said.

Local mental health and disability services brought entire groups along for lunch.

Ms Wessels organised the event and was assisted by Linda de Clerke.

An undecorated tree served as a memorial for those who had passed, and children were encouraged to design decorations honouring their late loved ones.

Echo Church senior pastor Sam Barr said the church fully backed the project once again this year, putting together floral table centrepieces which guests could take home and handwritten cards for all the guests.

“It was a real community effort, and a really cool atmosphere,” Mr Barr said.

Echo worship leaders Kelly and Mike Taylor led those attending in Christmas Carols.

Next up for Have a Heart is preparations for their 10th anniversary coming up on March 22.