Community organizations around the Hudson Valley opened their doors to those in need this Christmas with free meals, clothing and gifts.

Hundreds of people received gifts and donated goods Thursday at the Westchester Community Christmas Dinner in Katonah. More than 100 volunteers worked for six months to collect donations and organize the event. Those who attended say the event provides them not just with food and clothes, but friendship and connections.

In White Plains, the Open Arms Shelter provided about 40 of the area?s homeless with a hot Christmas dinner and a gift. Food coordinator Denise Maxwell says she started cooking for the celebration on Tuesday and got a lot of the ingredients from donations.

Volunteers at Yonkers? The Sharing Community helped deliver free Christmas dinners for anyone in the community who wanted one. Participants and volunteers say the service is especially needed this year. It was the 20th consecutive year the Sharing Community sponsored the event.

Click for coverage of the White Plains event

Open Arms Shelter and Services86 E Post Rd.White Plains, NY 10601(914) 948-5044