MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While many families were preparing for Christmas Eve celebrations, others were looking for a place to go.

At St. Ben’s Capuchin Community Services in Milwaukee, volunteers, staff, and church leaders came together to share a holiday meal with those in need, offering not just food, but connection.

Dozens of people filled the room as volunteers served a traditional Christmas Eve meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and corn. For many who attended, the meal carried deeper meaning during a season that can feel isolating.

Archbishop of Milwaukee Jeffrey Grob said the goal is to bring people together who may otherwise be alone.

“To bring community for people who may be very isolated, they may not have a home, whatever the circumstances of life, coming together to help one another,” he said.

He said the meal is about more than simply eating.

“You can go to McDonald’s and get a hot meal, but there’s more to it than that. Just genuinely to respect the person and look at them, that they have dignity,” he said.

For volunteer Karen Solis, Christmas Eve at St. Ben’s is a longstanding commitment.

“I’ve been doing this for 11 years, since I was in middle school,” she said.

She said the day is especially meaningful because not everyone has somewhere to go during the holidays.

“This is even more fun and fulfilling because we’re giving people a warm meal on the holidays, and not everyone has a place to go,” she said.

Those receiving meals said the effort does not go unnoticed.

Tracey Camell said, “I’m glad that people have places like this to go. Just because you go through a hard time in life doesn’t mean you should be forgotten about.”

Camell said the volunteers’ kindness made a difference.

“It’s things like this that do make people grateful, and it shows the goodness and kindness of all the volunteers,” he said.

For many, the holiday season can bring feelings of isolation but at St. Ben’s, Christmas Eve served as a reminder of the power of community and compassion.