Contemplating this special day without her children was bad enough but imposing on a friend’s family celebration did not feel right either.

So Carmen knew she had to do something positive to avert experiencing another bout of depression.

“It was my first Christmas without my babies; they were travelling all the way to Townsville to be with their father,” she explains.

“I knew I did not want to be alone so I reached out to Wendy [Love] and she said come on down.”

Carmen accepted the offer and the past four years she has volunteered at the Samaritans Christmas Lunch.

This year she is planning on taking her two youngest children to the luncheon.

Her friend Debbie Kneipp says her story is similar but unfortunately she has endured many lonely Christmas days.

“And let me tell you that first Christmas on your own is a very depressing day,” she explains.

But not long after heading overseas, and working with the underprivileged, Debbie made a conscious decision about giving back to the community.

“I thought rather than sitting at home feeling sorry for myself for 12 hours, why don’t I do something productive?”

“So I contacted Carmen and said ‘hey this is what I want to do, and she said well come along with me then’.”

And, as they say, the rest is history.

The two caring ladies, who have been friends since attending school together in Tamworth, are now the chief present givers at the annual gathering.

Their enthusiasm is infectious as they excitedly explain just how much they enjoy selecting, wrapping and giving out the gifts to the children in attendance.

Debbie says everyone has their own reasons for being a part of the luncheon but ultimately it is “just a fun day”.

Singleton’s Samaritans Christmas lunch coordinator Wendy Love says this year is the 10th anniversary of the event.

“It all started early in 2006 when we heard about the Samaritans Christmas Day lunch in Newcastle,” she explains.

“They provided a free two-course meal to those who are on their own or doing it tough.”

So, she says, in partnership with Samaritans they held the first lunch on Christmas Eve at the Parish Hall adjacent to All Saints Anglican Church.

Along the way the luncheon was moved to Christmas day and a more central, suitable and comfortable location – the Senior Citizens Hall.

She says for those who are homeless, lonely or disadvantaged, Christmas can be a time of increased stress.

However, research suggests attending or volunteering at an event like this can go a long way toward overcoming this.

So if you would like to join in or help out contact Wendy Love on 0423 692571 or visit www.samaritans.org.au

Alternatively, just turn up on the day as there will be plenty of good food, friendship and entertainment.

“Those who wish to celebrate the joy of Christmas with us come and join the fun from 11am at the Senior Citizens Centre on Bathurst Street,” Wendy says.

She would also like to thank their major sponsors, Rix’s Creek Mine and Glencore’s Mt Owen Complex.

If for any reason you need transportation, phone Jackie on 0265 711 414.