ELKHART — A good crowd turned out for an annual Christmas tradition at Faith Mission. They helped make and deliver meals to around 200 elderly shut-ins throughout the Elkhart area.

Some of the volunteers included clients from the mission who are out of work, and some with church groups who were laid off.

“We believe here at the mission that God created each person for a purpose, and I really think it’s important for people that are laid off to have purpose, even though they are laid off,” said Ross Swihart, executive director of Faith Mission.

A number of them say it’s their way of giving back, as the result of others who have helped them out in the past.

Tom Eldridge is a client at the mission, searching for work.

“It makes you feel good when you can help somebody else out, even though you’ve got nothing,” said Eldrige. “I mean, you’ve got to help the community, because people help us when they have a chance.”

Others with church groups that volunteered were out of work.

“Even though we're having difficult times, and other people are, we decided to come over and help out other people,” said Tom Nagle.

“I just wanted to help someone because I know how it is to need help,” said Amanda Macias, another unemployed member of a church group. “So I'm just thankful for the help that I have, so I want to give back by helping people in their time of need.”

Later in the day, volunteers served a holiday meal to people at the Faith Mission. They also served walk-ins.