Each year they face spending Christmas Day alone.

All Saints Anglican Church Belmont is one organisation doing something about that.

The church's congregation is busy preparing for the annual Christmas Day luncheon - a free event open to anyone who doesn't have someone to spend the day with.

Three of the volunteers behind the five-year-old event are Deirdre Hughes, Helen Edwards and Sandy Boyd, who, between them, have notched up more than 40 years at the church.

Each will leave their family for a few hours on Christmas Day to help out in the kitchen at the church hall.

Mrs Edwards, who is the ministry team leader for social action, said the event was a vital part of the church's community outreach program.

"It's important for [the lonely and needy] to feel like they have somewhere to turn on Christmas Day," Mrs Edwards said.

"We don't put any pressure on non-parishioners, we don't care where they come from. It's all about spreading the love and reaching out to those who need it most."

Mrs Edwards said the idea was to provide a casual, non-judgmental environment for people to mingle and enjoy a meal.

On the menu this year is roast chicken, ham and vegetables; plum pudding, custard and fruit; punch, tea, coffee and nibbles.

The hall will be decked with Christmas decorations and carols will play in the background.

This year the church will also have help setting up from Belmont Baptist Church.

In future the Anglican church hopes to combine the event with all churches in the area to make it bigger and better.

■The luncheon is by RSVP. Phone Helen Edwards on 0409 151 977 or email helenedwards1@bigpond.com by Monday, December 22.