The line of people curled around the back of the Portland Art Museum on Wednesday, waiting to get out of the rain for a hot meal on Christmas Day.

Two hours into Potluck in the Park's 30th free Christmas Day meal, at least 800 people had been served buffet-style in the museum's ballroom in downtown Portland, while more waited to get in.

"It's beautiful," said Chris Giordani, 47, his cheeks still red from the cold as he sat down with a plate full of turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and string beans. He said he felt a bit of the spirit of the holiday, seeing "so many people in the community out in the same place," as a pianist played "Frosty the Snowman."

Typically, Giordani said he sleeps during the day "wherever I end up," including on public transportation, and walks around in public places at night for his safety.

David Utzinger, the coordinator, started the first free Potluck in the Park Christmas dinner in 1994, an outgrowth of the weekly Sunday meals offered outdoors. That year, Christmas fell on a Sunday, and he said he looked for a location to offer a warm meal indoors for the holiday.

He scouted for a location and held the first one in the downtown YWCA's gym. It remained there for 20 years, was held at the Crystal Ballroom for two years and moved to the Portland Art Museum in 2014, Utzinger said. There was a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the dinner was offered outside in the park blocks.

"We are very excited to be able to continue bringing joy every Christmas to a lot of Portlanders who don't always see much joy," he said. "It's important to us that our guests feel they are special."

Those who came checked their bags in the entryway of the museum's ballroom, lined up at either of two buffet lines and then found a spot to sit along 15 long, white tablecloth-covered tables.

Bob and Carolyn Heymann, from the Hands on Greater Portland volunteer organization, coordinated more than 100 volunteers who handled varied tasks, from greeting visitors, cooking or serving meals to checking bags, handing out gifts of crocheted winter hats and socks, or organizing donated transportation to and from the site.

They've supported the Christmas meal for 15 years. On Wednesday, their four grown children joined them.

Rodney Harris, 59, posed for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as did his dog Lovey, a pit bull mix, in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree. He then left with an extra packaged meal, a baggie full of turkey strips for his dog and his photo with Santa.

Harris said he stays at a shelter near the Moda Center and receives disability benefits but is looking for housing.

"At least for a little while," he said, "you feel like you're not out there by yourself."

Others said they were appreciative for a moment to relax and feel safe on the holiday.

Cheryl Harvey, 61, said she saw a flier about the Christmas meal in the elevator of her Northwest Portland apartment. It's the sixth year she's attended.

"I love the food and the company," she said.

Nikki Todd, 40, said this was her second year attending, having learned about it from the Portland Rescue Mission. She said she lives outside in a tent, moves "all over," and doesn't know what she would have done without the free meal.

"A hot meal goes a long way," she said.

Volunteer Amelia Tompkins, 31, wore an apron and looked for plates to clear. Tompkins said she moved from England to Portland just four days earlier and searched on the internet for an event she could lend a hand at for the holiday. "I've met so many lovely people," she said.

After eating, Rosina Strebig, 51, who has been homeless for five years, stopped to talk with the organizer before heading back outdoors.

"Thank you," Strebig told Utzinger. "Every year, we try to come, and I appreciate it."

On their way out, visitors were offered a loaf of bread and a bag of pet food. They then were directed to a tent set up on the Southwest Park blocks to select a gift that included a warm hat or pair of socks.

Teresa Kedor, of Portland, crocheted more than 190 hats that she donated for the event. She helped hand them out Wednesday afternoon.

"It's my hobby. I love doing it," she said.

Estacada couple David Alley, 73, and Beverly Alley, 72, posed as Santa and Mrs. Claus in the ballroom, their second year at the Portland Art Museum on Christmas Day.

"It's a great event," David Alley said, during a brief break. "Obviously, there's a big need."