MARYSVILLE – Christmas is all about giving, and there is nothing more important to give than the gift of food.

About 630 families will be eating big Christmas dinners thanks to the giving of their Marysville neighbors.

Al Elliott, a 16-year volunteer with the Marysville Community Food Bank, was in charge of giving out the turkeys this week. He said it was a shame that everyone couldn’t get one, but that “some people are turkey’d out from Thanksgiving.”

He explained that the largest families receive a turkey, but others can get a ham, chicken or even salmon.

Food bank director Dell Dierling said clients receive a checklist for them to fill out while waiting in line.

“That speeds up the process,” he said as dozens of clients waited outside in mid-30 degree temperatures, many huddled near three warming lamps.

Volunteers help shoppers fill up their carts with the items they checked off.

A trio of guitarists played and sang Christmas songs, and many of the volunteers wore various seasonal costumes.

Christine Storrs had a big smile on her face as she went through the line.

“This is wonderful. They make it very special,” she said of the volunteers. “Their smiles are happy and joyful.”