SILVIS, Ill. — Residents across the greater Quad Cities area spent Christmas giving back to the community.
Volunteers opened their doors to spread some holiday cheer, along with handing out free meals and toys to children.
Sonya Brown Memorial Christmas Dinner in Silvis
Over in Silvis, people handed out free lunches to anyone who wanted one at Faith Walk World Outreach Center. It was all part of the annual Sonya Brown Memorial Christmas Dinner.
"We serve a meal that is free, open to the public. We just want this to be that no one is alone or without on Christmas Day," Vicki Brown, one of the organizers, said.
Vicki and her husband, Aaron, began the annual feast 12 years ago. It's named in honor of their late sister-in-law Sonya Brown, who they say enjoyed serving others through large meals. Despite over a decade of giving back on Christmas, the event shows no signs of slowing down.
"Our crew has become this little family," Vicki said. "This is our Christmas family. It's what my husband and I call it."
Food included turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pie.
Finn's Grill Free Christmas in Milan
Just a short drive over in Milan, Finn's Grill handed out free Christmas dinners and toys — something the restaurant saves up every year for.
"Every transaction that we do, we save a percentage of that to do this. Because I don't think we should take without giving," Joe Ende, the restaurant's owner, said.
Volunteers braved Monday's rain to hand out free food in the drive-up style giveaway. Ende has been doing the giveaway since 2018 after his kids suggested it to him.
"All of my team prepares for this," he said. "Volunteers and donors contribute all year long, and my family about three weeks, four weeks before this. We're just above the moon excited and ready to do it."
In addition to serving hundreds of meals, Ende's family will hand out toys to children as well.
"I just like giving out gifts really," his daughter said. "I don't mind being in the rain, as long as I get to see a few people smile."
Ende said in the past, they have handed out as many as 6,000 meals for Christmas.
"Clocksmas" at Clock Inc. in Rock Island
A Rock Island LGBTQ+ community center opened its doors another year for some holiday festivities. Clock Inc. put on its annual "Clocksmas" event, where community members can have a safe space to celebrate Christmas with others.
The event is open to everyone, with dinner accompanied by some games and a White Elephant gift giveaway.
"We are in our fourth year," Adam Peters, director of operations at Clock Inc., said. "Every single year, we are getting more and more folks that sign up. People talk, they're excited to bring their friends." Peters added that someone from Brooklyn, Iowa attended the event, which is two hours away.
Clock Inc. put on its first Thanksgiving meal for the community earlier this year, which Peters labels a success. He expects more people at both meals next year.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel