BOSTON – Christmas Eve was a day of giving across greater Boston with several charitable events taking place. In Dorchester, St. Peter's Teen Center held its annual Menino Family Toy Drive, named after the late former mayor. Kids and teens were gifted bikes, shoes and toys. They also had the chance to meet Santa Claus.

Volunteers have stepped in to bring festive lights back to a town just in time for Christmas. Windermere and Bowness Town Council had pledged to put Windermere's lights up this year, but complications with logistics meant it had been unable to install them.

Lunch on the Levee volunteers feed lunch to those in need, hand out goodie bags and supplies on Christmas Eve in downtown Alexandria.

AS the festive season approaches, community leaders have shared heartfelt Christmas messages to residents. Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington Josh MacAlister (Image: Laurie Noble) "I'd like to wish all constituents in Whitehaven and Workington a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Volunteers are prepping hundreds of sprouts, carrots and mince pies to bring Christmas cheer to people around Guildford. It is part of a new festive tradition started by the Gaskin family seven years ago.

Christmas cheer was handed out by students from Haslingden High School who delivered hampers and gift bags to the community.