PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - One of the best parts of Christmas is the food, but many go without. One of Portland's largest and most popular events is giving many people the chance to have a meal for the holiday.

Potluck in the Park's 30th annual Christmas dinner was held at the Portland Art Museum and hundreds of volunteers turned the holiday around for more than 1,000 people in need with kindness and a free holiday meal.

"Turkey, gravy, stuffing" said Paula McCarbin. "squash, green beans, everything."

Just a few ingredients McCarbin enjoyed and that helped bring back hope to those that might have lost it along the way.

"It's really special to me because I don't really spend time with my family on Christmas, so it gives me someplace to be," said McCarbin.

Allowing the dinner to become more than a meal, but a community for those away from their loved ones for the holiday.

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"It's beautiful, it's like cooking at home, and I feel warm and fuzzy," said Lisa Palucci, who attended the dinner from California.

You can't have a Christmas dinner without some good old nostalgia like an appearance from Santa Clause, an appearance some were hoping for.

"It's top of the line for me, look at the beautiful job they do, the tree, they have everyone coming around, it's a good meal, I'm going to get a picture with Santa pretty soon. It's the real reason I came," said Kenneth Campbell.

This year marks Potluck in the Park's 30th Christmas Dinner and come said the event shows the heart of Portlanders.

"Portland has got a lot of good community spirit," said Campbell. "It's a good time of year, good spirit."

The Potluck also hosts a free hot meal every Sunday in the North Park Blocks.