Dozens of volunteers came out this week to offer needy Bermudians a hot meal and clothes as Grateful Bread celebrated six months of giving.

Since January, a small army of volunteers have visited St Andrew’s Church on the final Thursday of each month, offering a free meal.

Juliana Snelling, one of the organisers, said the event continues to be a huge success, bringing the community together to support one another.

“I think this is the most spiritual thing I have done in my years,” she said. “It’s not a religious event, but it gives you a spiritual feeling of togetherness, of fulfilment and sharing with our fellow man.”

She said that she was amazed to see the event grow over the course of the year, with the number of volunteers rising.

“I always worried that people would be on their family vacations or doing other things, but the event just seems to be more successful each time with the number of volunteers, the number of guests and the amount of food. I’m thrilled.”

In addition to volunteers, the event has earned the support of several restaurants including La Trattoria, Blu, Docksiders, Chef Michiko at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, MarketPlace and Bermuda Waterworks.

Ms Snelling added that any leftovers from the event are donated to other charities, so nothing is wasted.

On Thursday evening, a long line of guests patiently waited in line to collect food and clothing. While the event took its name from the band the Grateful Dead, it was ABBA that was being played on the loudspeakers.

Longstanding volunteer Fiona Luck said that the monthly event has been able to serve as many as 300 guests.

“It’s been unbelievable,” she said. “What I like is that it’s a real opportunity to interact with a wide cross section of Bermudians.

“It has grown. There’s no question. It’s only once a month, and this time of the year there are different persons doing different things, but it’s pretty steady.”

Meanwhile first-time volunteer Sawyer Kermode said she and her husband were invited to take part by her mother-in-law.

“We wanted to find a way to give back, and she has been doing this for a while so she brought it up,” she said. “It’s going great.”

Those interested in supporting the event are invited to e-mail jsnelling@canterburylaw.bm