Bill Bandera is continuing his parents work on the annual Free Christmas Dinner at the American Legion in Binghamton, which takes place on Christmas Day from 12 PM to 2 PM including the Binghamton, Norwich, and Endicott locations.

Today nearly a dozen volunteers went to to 5 different stores to pick up turkeys.

Weis Markets donated the majority of the turkeys donated today with around 120 of estimated 160 needed for the meal.

"The best thing is this is our 35th year. so we continue the tradition that my parents, Bill and Carolyn, started. And it's just a heartfelt thing that we do. I love serving the community and after all these years, it's, you know, most of December now, this is what we do," Bandera said.

Members of the community have been rallying behind the meal since it's inception in 1989, where they served 68 meals to the community.

One such community member is Bill Snedeker, owner of Bill's Quality Paints, who has been volunteering for the event for nine years.

"I talk about it all year long because I know that it's a it's a good thing for the community and a good thing to be a part of. And, you know, I love to spread the word.  I own a business, and this helps me out, give back to the community," Snedeker said.

A rallying cry heard across the state as well, with volunteers from Bandera's church, New Heart Ministries, in Baldwinsville.

Pastor Charity Gustke and her family have been friends with Bandera for 15 years, with her and her family volunteering for the last 3 years.

"Our church donates every year and we come down many people from our congregation come down and help out, and we help with turkeys, and we help with the food prep.  Me, my husband and our whole family always come on Christmas Day, and, the joy is getting to serve the people," Gustke said.

The dinner will serve an estimated 4,500 meals, with over 400 volunteers from Binghamton and around the state.