SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Helping others on Christmas morning is a tradition for many people in Springfield. Volunteers with Open Pantry Community Services took the time out of their holiday to serve free meals and spend time with people looking for a little extra love on Christmas. Annually the food bank serves free holiday meals to anyone who needs one in Springfield. This year's event took place at the High School of Commerce. "I've been doing it for 8 years and it just makes me feel good. All my life people took care of me on the holidays and then one year I actually asked my friend Carol and told her I wanted to volunteer and help others" says George Flathers, volunteer for Open Pantry Community Services. "I've been volunteering for a long time since I was a little girl and it's just an amazing experience to see people come together. Anyone is welcome, you don't have to be homeless" says Morgan Maxey, a volunteer with Open Pantry Community Services. Local News Headlines Students and Staff at Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy host community Hanukkah fest Open Pantry Community Services offers hundreds of free meals on Christmas Toy safety warnings highlight holiday gift hazards Mega Millions jackpot tops $1 billion for Friday draw 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.