NORWICH – Volunteers of the New York chapter of Under My Skin for Life, a not for profit charity organization committed to helping those who need help the most, hosted its first ever free Easter dinner for Chenango County’s poverty-stricken individuals and families inside the banquet hall of the Howard Johnson Hotel on Sunday, staying true to its mission of lending a helping hand wherever needed.

Over 150 local patrons were served during Sunday’s event by the more than 50 volunteer members that make up the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania chapters of Under My Skin for Life. Although the occasion didn’t not quite garner the turnout volunteers had hoped for, it was a success nonetheless, say organizers.

“Our mission is to help those in need, so we thought this was a good opportunity to fulfill that mission,” said Dana Meyer, member and spokesperson for the New York Chapter of Under My Skin for Life. “We had enough food for 250 people but we were quite pleased with the turnout, actually.”

Food and supplies provided at the gala came courtesy of several supporting businesses, including the Norwich Merchants Association, the Parson’s Daughter, NBT Bank, the Chenango Council of the Arts, UHS Chenango Memorial, Tops and Save a Lot grocery markets, Denny’s, and McNeil Jewelers. Ham for the main course was donated by the Sherburne Big M, vegetables from Park Place Restaurant and Lounge, and rolls were given by Gus’ Steak House.

Garf’s Deli and the Ontario also chipped in, lending volunteers the kitchen space needed to prepare food. And Giltner’s Paint and Flooring furnished the van that volunteers needed to deliver more than 20 additional meals to Grace View Manor Apartments in Norwich, thereby giving local seniors a chance to enjoy a freshly cooked Easter meal to celebrate the holiday.