The Crossroads Christian Centre in Prestons will hold a Christmas in July event this Saturday for the homeless and poverty-stricken.

Those attending will enjoy a festive three-course lunch and will receive food hampers, blankets and scarfs.

Children will also get a toy each.

The hall will be decorated and there will be Christmas carols performed to get everyone into a festive mood.

``We're going to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and that's caring about one another and helping each other out,'' said organiser Tony Benjamin.

``The guests have to RSVP so we can follow up with them later and see if they're doing well.''

Mr Benjamin said the church runs 12 Newstart Centrelink programs.

``We work with the unemployed and needy all the time and winter is a time when their needs are even greater,'' he said.

``The economic situation is not making it any easier and now there are some people who may not be homeless but are borderline.''

The church organisation runs a kitchen for homeless people at the Baptist church on Norfolk Street in Liverpool.

The kitchen is run by volunteers and Newstart participants.

Breakfast and lunch is available every day from 10am to 1.30pm.

``We serve about 100 meals a day in the Liverpool CBD area,'' he said.

There is also a kitchen for the less fortunate in the Liverpool PCYC in Miller.

``This is not a problem that's going away,'' he said. ``People who are accessing the service are getting younger and younger.''

Details: 0424582521.