COEUR d'ALENE — Mark Manley and his mom, Phyllis Manley, went out for a Christmas Eve meal Saturday.

When they arrived, they were greeted with smiles and invited to take a seat.

The server quickly provided the menu, and minutes later, took their order. Another stopped by to see if they needed anything and chatted for a few minutes. A pianist played softly in the background.

Mark was impressed. The food was excellent and the service was "every bit as good, if not better than the dinner."

"It's wonderful," Phyllis said.

And it was free.

The Altar Church in Coeur d'Alene offered a Christmas Eve dinner with a restaurant-like atmosphere that involved about 50 volunteers.

There was a joyous spirit in the air as folks mingled and enjoyed all they could eat and take home, and all the conversation they wanted.

"This is our Christmas," said Ray, a volunteer.

Cooks Andrey Chernishoff, Jason Dynes and Cody Rose arrived about 4 a.m. to prepare 2,000 Tuscan meatballs, 15 pounds of sweet potatoes, 15 pounds of green beans, 10 gallons of creamy white bean soup and 15 pounds of rice.

Add ham, maple and thyme-flavored carrots to the menu, plus endless desserts and biscuits, courtesy of Jimmy's Down the Street. It was enough to serve 500 people.

"It's very important to give back to the community," Chernishoff said. "The community helps out as much as they can."

Rose said it was "all about the blessings."

He loved the unity in the decorated room that included candles on the tables covered with white tablecloths.

"God is real, alive and here," Rose said.

Dynes said he's been on both sides of needing a free meal and providing one.

"Giving has its own rewards," he said.

Mark said he was thankful for sharing a meal and time with others at Christmas.

"Thank God for this place," he said.