Dozens of members of the Pine Bluff community donated dishes for a Christmas potluck.
Organizers said the Pine Bluff Potluck started 10 years ago when a group of friends noticed a need in the community for Christmas meals.
Now, it’s gone on every year and continues to grow.
“We felt we saw a void in our community on Christmas, nobody fed on Christmas Day,” organizer James Washington said.
A group of friends in Pine Bluff found a way to fill the void.
“While you’re preparing your Christmas dinner just prepare a little extra of your favorite side dish and bring the pan and bring it out so we can serve to the community,” Washington said.
The Community Christmas Potluck has been held in the Pine Bluff High School cafeteria every year.
One volunteer has prepared side dishes and desserts ever since it started.
“I did green beans this year. Green beans and I actually picked up a couple of cases of drinks, Cokes, and I donated money,” Landy Watley said.
She said she doesn’t mind spending the beginning of her Christmas day here if it means helping others.
“No one should be left alone. So whether it’s through fellowship, whether it’s through food, just giving back, it makes me feel good,” Watley said.
Billie Minton said this is her second year coming for the delicious food and welcoming company.
“They have the Christmas spirit, we’re all greeting each other,” Minton said.
Minton plans to bring her friends along next year.
“I invited them this year, but next year I will bring them,” Minton said.
With the help of 40 volunteers, the potluck feeds over 350 people from 11 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon.
“What happens is, they hear about it and they’ll donate a dish and they’ll drop it off. And then the next year they’ll stay for the event. Then the following year they’ll bring someone else,” Washington said.