VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — For many of us, Christmas is a day of joy when we’re surrounded by family and friends, but it can be difficult for anyone spending the holiday alone. However, a Vermillion winery is making Christmas a little brighter.

People in need of a Christmas meal rolled into Valiant Winery and Distillery Wednesday afternoon.

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“It’s just a way of passing this Christmas and helping spread the joy of Christmas and the real meaning of Christmas, giving and sharing,” Valiant Vineyards CEO Eldon Nygaard.

Among the people picking up some ham, corn and potatoes was Carl Drews.

“It’s nice for people that they can’t afford to have Christmas and come out here and get a free meal. If they have a family of four or five, it helps a lot to have somebody like this just to say, ‘Hey, come on, we’ll give you your Christmas meal,'” Drews said.

“It’s just nice to think that you’re making somebody’s day better if they’re alone, or don’t want to cook or anything, or can’t cook or don’t have the wherewithal to buy the food to cook, volunteer Maxine Johnson said. “It’s just nice to know that they’re having a good day and you’re helping a little bit to make it a good day.”

Around 30 people volunteered their time, and as they gave back, they received a sense of purpose.

“You look at all these volunteers, and it’s it’s good for them, just like it’s good for the people receiving the meal,” Nygaard said.

“My husband always said that life is harder for some than for others, and he’s been gone now for almost five years,” Johnson said. “I like to think it’s part of keeping his memory alive in our lives, that we’re doing something for somebody who isn’t quite as fortunate as we are, and if it’s just a meal, that’s good.”

A gesture that shares the joy of the season.

More than 400 meals were given away at Wednesday event.