Christmas carols were sung, a hot breakfast was served, and fellowship was found at a Christmas brunch today for the community of Erie. Anyone who stopped by was served a homemade brunch of casseroles, ham, muffins, and pastries to begin Christmas morning.

The meal was open for everyone whether they had a home this Christmas or not. The event was hosted by the upper room of Erie, an organization which helps the homeless community.   

People we spoke to were appreciative for a good meal and friendship on Christmas day.
Allen Lonax, a volunteer, says that the homeless members of the community look forward to the event, "they come in with expectations that no one cares and to actually see brings a warming feeling and they distribute it amongst themselves. ''

The event started five years ago by a woman who wanted to serve the people of Erie like her own family and make them a Christmas breakfast. What started out as forty people coming in for a Christmas day meal has grown through the years, now over a hundred people are served a homemade breakfast by forty volunteers. People look forward to this brunch since it's a way to celebrate the holiday season and be surrounded by Christmas cheer.

Stephanie Rice another volunteer, loves seeing how appreciative everyone is after coming for brunch, "people are just so thankful they love coming through, we see people in their Christmas hats and just the Christmas spirit is really alive here and it’s great to celebrate."

 People who attended said they had a good time and enjoyed being with each other. The upper room was pleased with the turnout and will be back for another Christmas brunch next year.