GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)-- A local church had a record number of people show up for free Easter dinner this year.

Grace Lutheran Church has been serving the meal since 1998, and this year served about 250 people. In past years they see anywhere from 150 to 200 people.

They serve the meal in the basement of the church and deliver meals to people who have no way of getting there.  

"This is our way of showing gratitude to Jesus Christ our savior and provide for those in need, as well as those who may be lonely , as well as those who just don't have another place to go," said Mimi McClure, the publicity coordinator for the church.

Jenn Robinson brought her two young daughters to eat at the church, it's the second year they've come for the free dinner.

"We like coming here, it's a nice place to come and eat, people are friendly, and the food is good," said Robinson.

McClure says it is the atmosphere that keeps people coming back, year after year.

"We get so many people that love coming here, year after year, and they  tell us what a wonderful job we are doing, so we know we are doing something right," said McClure.

It took more than 30 volunteers, 80lbs. of ham and nine tubs of potatoes to feed everyone.

"We started at 730 this morning, and it takes roughly 2 hours to get everything prepped and ready to go," said volunteer Ray Bosse.

Bosse has given up four Easter Sunday's in a row to volunteer to help cook the meal, and it's something he really has come to enjoy.

"Just to give back to the community somehow, it's enjoyment," said Bosse.