POST FALLS - There may be a greater need than ever to provide local people in need with a hot meal on Christmas, but the giving attitude still perseveres.

No sooner than organizers began to huddle about a brunch at the Post Falls Senior Center - one of three Post Falls sites hosting a free meal on Christmas Day - did a local anonymous family come forward to agree to pay enough to feed 70.

"The family wants to help out because they believe they've already gotten everything they want in life," said Alison McArthur, the center's director. "They also want to help us with the meal."

McArthur anticipates more than 70 will attend, however, so monetary donations are being sought for more food and to send attendees home with a treat bag of peanuts, Christmas candy and fruit.

The center's staff will volunteer its time at the meal, but additional volunteers are needed with the meal and to deliver Meals on Wheels that day.

"We want to make sure families have a place to come get a hot meal," McArthur said.

Money, brunch items and items for the treat bags can be dropped off at the center.

"We're taking Mary and Kelly Frazey's idea from the (former) Post Falls Needy Family program with the treat bags and starting it up again," McArthur said.

The brunch at the center, 1215 E. Third, runs from 9-11 a.m.

The meal - open to anyone, not just seniors - will include biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs and an egg casserole.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the center at P.O. Box 418, Post Falls, ID 83877.

There is also a tree of sharing for kids at the center.

Information: 773-9582, pfsc78@roadrunner.com

Free meals will also be served at KC's Breakfast Club, 740 Cecil Road, Suite 101, across from the Walmart on Mullan from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at G.W. Hunters restaurant, 615 N. Spokane St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The meal at KC's Breakfast Club, which is holding an event for the community for the third straight year, will include turkey, ham and all the trimmings.

Kids will be given a present.

Turkey, ham, dessert, canned goods, toy and monetary donations can be dropped off at the restaurant from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The restaurant could use some volunteers to wrap toys starting Thursday, and having Santa drop by is also on its wish list.

The event served 120 last year and 250 the previous year.

"Anything we can do, we'd like to help out," said Ken Jackson, the restaurant's owner.

Information: Ken or Carolyn Jackson, 773-3764

The meal at G.W. Hunters will consist of a turkey lunch with all the trimmings.

Donations needed include turkeys, gifts for kids and desserts. Food and monetary donations can be dropped off at the restaurant. There's also a sign-up sheet for interested volunteers.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to greet visitors.

"Last year we fed 325, and it was really a special time," owner Dave Swanson said.

Information: 777-9388

In Athol, the community center will host a Christmas celebration from 1-5 p.m.

There will be a dinner, music and presents for children. Donations are being accepted.

Information: Dan Holmes, 683-5049; Jacqui Morgan, 683-3300