While many families sit down to share a Christmas dinner, Daryl and Luanne Madson plan to celebrate by greeting and serving punch to those who aren’t able to share the holiday with family.

The Madsons have volunteered as greeters at the annual Christmas Dinner at St. Olaf Lutheran Church for about 12 years.

The dinner will be served at noon today and is designed for people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas.

“I think a lot people come in because it would be so lonesome for them if they didn’t have someplace to come for Christmas dinner,” Luanne said. “That’s a lot of the comments we get: We’d be alone if it weren’t for this.”

Daryl and Luanne greet people as they enter St. Olaf’s fellowship hall for a traditional Christmas turkey dinner. The two often serve hot punch as people wait in line. They also chat with people, answer questions and accept a freewill donation.

“They’re very appreciative,” Daryl said.

“I think they love the fellowship of it, and the chance to be with a lot of people,” Luanne added.

While the dinner serves people who can’t be with family for the holidays, the organizers won’t turn anyone away from the meal. They said they’ll serve people until the food is gone.

“It adds to the Christmas spirit for a lot of people – including us,” Daryl said.

“It’s a very pleasant day for a lot of people,” he added.

The two planned to spend Christmas Eve with their children before traveling back to Austin for the dinner.

The Christmas dinner is held in honor of Peter Klein, who died after a dirt bike accident in 1998. Daryl and Luanne commended the Klein family for organizing the event each year in honor of Peter.

“It’s definitely in memory of Peter, and it’s such great fellowship,” she said.

Peter’s sister, Kim, is married to the Madson’s son, Mike.

While the event celebrates a somber event, the Klein family and the volunteers are always upbeat, Luanne said. She commended all the volunteers — especially the Klein family — for providing a festive Christmas atmosphere.

“I’ve never heard one negative thing. … They all are just in that spirit of getting together,” Luanne said

Daryl and Luanne plan to keep volunteering at the dinner as long as they are able and as long as the Klein family asks them to come back.

While the dinner serves people who can’t be with family for the holidays, the organizers won’t turn anyone away from the meal. They said they’ll serve people until the food is gone.

“It adds to the Christmas spirit for a lot of people – including us,” Daryl said.

“It’s a very pleasant day for a lot of people,” he added.

The two planned to spend Christmas Eve with their children before traveling back to Austin for the dinner.

The Christmas dinner is held in honor of Peter Klein, who died after a dirt bike accident in 1998. Daryl and Luanne commended the Klein family for organizing the event each year in honor of Peter.

“It’s definitely in memory of Peter, and it’s such great fellowship,” she said.

Peter’s sister, Kim, is married to the Madson’s son, Mike.

While the event celebrates a somber event, the Klein family and the volunteers are always upbeat, Luanne said. She commended all the volunteers — especially the Klein family — for providing a festive Christmas atmosphere.

“I’ve never heard one negative thing. … They all are just in that spirit of getting together,” Luanne said

Daryl and Luanne plan to keep volunteering at the dinner as long as they are able and as long as the Klein family asks them to come back.