We are in the season of giving especially when it comes to helping those in need.


Ahead of the Christmas holiday, many people in need got a warm meal thanks to different community groups.


Craig Palmer, the CEO of Erie Water Works and a volunteer at the Erie City Mission on Monday said, "We are trying to bring joy to people's lives. The people that maybe are less fortunate. Need a bite to eat, need somewhere to be warm."


Volunteers with the Erie Water Works helped set up, decorate, serve and clean up a meal at the Erie City Mission.


As Palmer explained, "To give and not expect anything back is really the most important thing. To pay it forward, you know we are fortunate many of us are and we want to help those who aren't as fortunate."


Meantime, business owners from Vilma's Restaurant and Prestige Auto Body teamed up to serve a meal and give out blankets to those who may not have a home.


As Victor Irizarry, the Owner of Prestige Auto Body  explained, "We are rich and we don't know it. We have a lot more than we need. There's a lot of less fortunate people out there and if we can help someone keep warm and give them a meal and something to drink and have them warm up for a couple of hours before they go out in the cold, that's what we are all about."


Organizers said that it's moments like these that make them appreciate everything they have and the importance of giving back. "It's a good feeling to be able to go home at night and think about who you helped and just to know someone you helped is going to be a little bit happier and probably a little bit warmer", said Irizarry.

They will be giving away the hot meals and blankets at Vilma's until 6:00 on Monday night at their location on 17th and State.