At least thirty local families enjoyed a Christmas dinner last week provided to them without charge by a local restaurant.

Thanks to Papa Al’s Pizza Pasta Subs on Barnabas Road, those who responded to an offer from the restaurant enjoyed a meal of chicken quarters with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, penne with vodka sauce, a loaf of bread, and a salad.

The eatery first made the offer at the beginning of the month, when Owner Fiat Islami announced he and his staff would provide ten complimentary holiday dinners to anyone struggling to afford one this season.

Islami told The Newtown Bee that week he was “just trying to do a good thing. I know people are struggling.”

He didn’t ask for anything beyond a name and basic contact information. He trusted in those who took him up on his no-strings-attached offer.

Within a week of the announcement, Islami and his staff had heard from a few people hoping to make the cut. Then momentum began to grow, and by the end of the second full week of the month Islami had not only heard from more than ten people, he decided to continue taking and filling the requests.

The deadline was extended to December 22, to give time for Islami, et al to shop for the additional food, and by end of business that Monday, Islami had promised he and his staff would provide “about 30 meals,” he said Christmas Eve.

The meals were prepped on December 24, with pickups scheduled during the five-hour window of 11 am to 4 pm. By midday the meals were ready for distribution, with everything packed up and ready for those who accepted the kind offer.

“I kept extending the deadline because I didn’t want to leave anybody behind,” Islami said that afternoon.

Around him, the kitchen and dining room of Papa Al’s continued to stay busy. Customers were enjoying lunch at a few tables. Before he stopped to talk for a few minutes, Islami had been folding pizza boxes and organizing items along the west side of the dining room. Erion Hodja took orders over the phone or helped those who walked in for a slice or two or to pick up orders, while Chef Dritan Hodja and Rino Ricci kept the kitchen humming.

A few hours later the kitchen closed for a few hours, giving Islami and those working with him a well-deserved holiday break.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.