VIDALIA — On any given day, the Town of Vidalia is able to run smoothly thanks to the firemen, policemen, first responders, dispatchers, the road and utility departments and other town employees who ensure that every job gets done.

Thursday, a handful of volunteers turned that trend upside down by serving their town employees instead during their second annual Christmas Luncheon, said Debbie Brocato.

Brocato said she is one of about 10 members in a group called Volunteers of Vidalia who decided it was time the ordinary citizens of Vidalia do something special for their town’s employees.

“A few of us got together and brainstormed last year and put together a Christmas meal in four days,” she said. “We ran out of food, but we won’t be running out this year. We want this to become an annual tradition that continues to get better and better.”

Joining the servers this year were Boy Scouts of America Volunteers and members of the Vidalia Beautification Committee, Brocato said.

Brocato said several local banks and businesses sponsored the luncheon with gifts of cash and food items.

Thursday’s luncheon was a feast of traditional Christmas foods — turkey, ham and dressing — as well as large pans of vegetables, macaroni, Johnny’s Pizza’s dessert pies, cake, cookies and other treats.

The living employees were not the only ones to be honored Thursday, as those who attendees in the food service line walked past a memorial display with pictures of Vidalians who had died in the last few years, including the former Concordia Parish Director of Homeland Security, Guy Murray; Town Clerk, Vicki Byrnes; utility lineman, Lee Dale Foley Sr.; and firemen Billy Ray Cummings, Robert “Bob” Bruce and Lawrence Cockerham.

Yet another special twist was added to this year’s feast. U.S. veterans were also invited to the luncheon as well and recognized with certificates of appreciation for their service to the country.

Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft said veterans are also servants to the town in the best way possible and deserve more than anyone to be served.

“Without those who fought for this country we wouldn’t even be here today,” Craft said.