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Source: Asbury Park Press, N.儲存J.Dec. 25--ASBURY PARK -- It was debatable who was the smoother dancer: Darnell Dicks or Frosty the Snowman.Both glided across the dance floor at Trinity Church, swaying to the music from Holiday Express, a non-profit organization that brings Christmas music, a meal, gifts and conversation to those who need it during the holidays."We know music is a transformative experience. Music is how many people experience love," said Diane Caruso, the director of music at Trinity Church."If we can show -- as a church and Holiday Express, as an organization -- love, that's the best message anyone can get right now."Volunteers opened the doors at Trinity Church soup kitchen to everyone in the community, preparing enough food and gift bags to accommodate as many as 700 people.McLoone's Asbury Grille and Supper Club donated the meal: penne with marinara, chicken francese, salad, green beans and rice.The Asbury Park event was just one of more than 60 that Holiday Express offered this season, said Pat Wotton, an event manager with Holiday Express.The organization also hosted two more Christmas Eve meals in Newark.Holiday Express reached 迷你倉bout 20,000 people over the six past weeks it has delivered meals and concerts to veterans groups, orphanages, addiction recovery homes and churches, Wotton said.For some, the event offered a Christmas experience they might not otherwise have."Thank God for you," Asbury Park resident Reola Wallace told volunteers who handed out fruit and duffel bags that contained a blanket, gloves and hat and toiletries."This is the only way (some) people have gifts," she said.For others, the event was about being with others in their community for Christmas."I just like being together with family," said Keiona Franks of Asbury Park, who comes every year.Brennan Diem, 24, a Wisconsin man estranged from his family, found himself at the luncheon after traveling from Colorado to New York, then to Asbury Park."It was the perfect festival," said Diem, who is staying at a local mission until he solidifies his plans."It's a great Christmas experience."___Susanne Cervenka: 732-643-4229; scervenka@ njpressmedia.comCopyright: ___ (c)2013 Asbury Park Press (Neptune, N.J.) Visit the Asbury Park Press (Neptune, N.J.) at .app.com Distributed by MCT Information Services儲存倉