Seniors, veterans and other Wareham residents in need came together on Dec. 22 to enjoy a hot meal at the Onset VFW’s fifth annual Christmas dinner.

The charitable event feeds anywhere between 75 and 80 people each year, providing attendees with traditional holiday foods and essential, everyday items like coats and toiletries free of charge.

“The holidays can be a hard time of year for everyone,” said event organizer Deneen Rose. “So we do our best to try and make things a little bit easier.”

Bridgewater State University and Wareham’s own Gateway Tavern donated food and paper products to the VFW for the dinner.

The Home Depot contributed potted poinsettias to decorate each table, and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office dropped off bags full of toys.

Santa Claus, played by Selectman Patrick Tropeano, also paid diners a visit.

“We’ve had a lot of great support over the years,” said Rose. “And I can’t tell you how thankful we are for that.”

Volunteers went to work setting up the dinner the night before guests arrived, including Cheryl Ethier and her daughter, Ashlyn, of Bourne.

An employee of Wareham District Court, Ethier said dinner was the perfect way for her to give back the community.

“I think it’s also a good way for me to show my daughter what else is going on in this world,” she said. “No matter what, everyone deserves to have a merry Christmas.”