(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Springs Rescue Mission hosted its annual Christmas banquet on Monday, Dec. 23, which provides a full course holiday meal for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness. Each guest was greeted at their table with a handwritten card, filled with words of encouragement and hope. "So that they really feel that they are part of this community, and that there are folks who love and care about them," said Travis Williams, the Springs Rescue Mission President & CEO. The Springs Rescue Mission goes all-out for their holiday banquet, serving guests at their tables as live music is played. "To bring people together who are experiencing, sometimes, not the happiest of holidays. To bring them together where they can have a dignified meal, have a Christmas celebration, and be reminded that there are people who love and care for them. That's what this day is all about," said Williams. It's a labor of love, with more than 200 hams prepared for the week of Christmas. "We've had almost a thousand individuals have some hand in providing this. So it really is a true representation of Christmas and community," said Williams. Although the banquet takes place ahead of Christmas, meals will be provided all week long just as they are throughout the entire year. "We never close our doors. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days. We will still provide meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, because we never close our doors," said Williams. While guests come in for the nice meal, the Springs Rescue Mission hopes they stay for other resources. "They may start with the meal, but now they're pointed in the direction of mental health services, physical health services, employment services, housing services, all that can be found right here at Springs Rescue Mission," said Williams. The Springs Rescue Mission hopes to serve 600-700 people this Christmas. Shelter guests will also receive a care package Christmas morning filled with everyday essentials and uplifting messages from volunteers.