HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The 9th Annual Holyoke Community Dinner returned Saturday evening to Kelly Elementary School. This free community event helps residents get to know their neighbors over a holiday meal in 'Whoville'. The dinner is hosted by One Holyoke CDC, a local non-profit that provides quality, affordable housing to residents. With the help of organizations, sponsors, and a committee within the Kelly school, Christmas was able to come a bit early to students and families. Children are the main focus of the event, ensuring they have a special night with a silent disco, bouncy house, arts and crafts, and face painting. "I picked this one because I like the Santa hat a lot," shared a child at the event. This annual tradition in Holyoke reminds the community that coming together is the true gift of holidays. Local News Headlines Shelburne Police host toy drive with festive fun Longmeadow Fire hosts 4th annual Santa Run Last day for Festival of Trees at the MassMutual Center Holyoke residents enjoy early Christmas celebration at 9th annual community dinner WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.