The holidays aren’t always a happy time for everyone. In fact, it can be a very lonely time for some of our residents who might not have family living nearby.

Local organizations on both sides of the Ohio River are, once again, looking to bring some holiday cheer to some of those residents by providing a warm meal for them to enjoy.

One event happens Saturday in Weirton, while the other happens on Christmas Day in Steubenville.

In its second year, Weirton’s dinner is focused primarily on residents of the city’s high rise complexes, especially the local senior community, as well as shut-ins. These are residents most likely to not have anyone to share the holidays with, or unable to make it out for a home-cooked meal.

Meals will be delivered Saturday afternoon to residents who have registered to receive them at Overbrook Towers, Freedom Place 1 and Freedom Place 2, and Chestnut Manor.

They will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a roll and pumpkin pie, all provided through donations from local civic groups, churches and businesses.

Any food remaining from those orders will be available from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church for shut-ins or anyone else interested, on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is yet another example of how the people in our communities come together to look out for each other.

Helping to make the meals possible are the Salvation Army of Brooke and Hancock Counties, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, the Order of AHEPA No. 10, Weirton Steel 25-Year Club, City of Weirton, Cove United Presbyterian Church, GFWC Weirton Woman’s Club, Rotary Club of Weirton Heights, Hancock and Brooke Young Professionals, Weirton Club 3:16, Weirton United Methodist Charge, Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso, United Bank, Weirton Christian Mothers, Knights of Columbus Weirton Council 3734, Weirton Transit, Weirton Lions Club, Girl Scout Troop 51418, Weirton Kroger and Joe and Patti Barnabei.

For years, the Weirton Ministerial Association has provided hundreds of meals each Thanksgiving for area residents. Only two years in, and this new Christmas dinner is quickly increasing its reach.

And then on Christmas Day, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Steubenville will continue its tradition of offering a free holiday meal to area resident.

The 14th-annual Christmas Day Memorial Dinner will be for dine-in only, with carryout and delivery not available, organizers with the church have indicated.

Area residents are invited to gather at the church, located at 300 S. Fourth St., from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a time of fellowship and to share the holiday spirit with each other.

Both efforts show the true spirit of the Christmas season, and the hope is they will continue to be a part of the holiday for many years to come.