A kind-hearted Samaritan has appealed for help with her traditional Boxing Day meal for those in need.

For the past seven years, Regina Peniston has cooked and served a huge feast to anyone who finds themselves hungry over the holidays.

But at the end of a tough economic year, the 51-year-old has asked members of the community to come forward to help contribute towards next month’s event.

The idea first came to Mrs Peniston when she found herself homeless one Christmas time due to drug addiction. “I remember just walking through the neighbourhoods of Hamilton and smelling these smells of Christmas, and not being able to taste them,” she said.

“I didn’t get a gift, not even a piece of turkey. It was one of the worst times of my life.

“I vowed that if I ever got myself together and back on my feet, I would give back.”

Now drug-free for almost 19 years, Mrs Peniston has made good on her promise — feeding upwards of 70 people annually on December 26 as they show up outside Jamaica Grill on Court Street.

Among the sumptuous items she prepares from Christmas Eve onwards are mac and cheese, potato salad, rice and peas, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy.

“I don’t have a Christmas dinner at my house. I’ve only got one oven and it’s going full-time,” she said. “My Christmas Day is on Boxing Day, when I get to give. I don’t turn anyone away. If you want to eat, you eat.”

However, the waitress from St David’s is asking for people to help contribute toward this year’s meal, which she normally funds out of her own pocket.

“It’s been a hard year for everyone. My heart is really passionate about this cause, and I would love to do it on my regular scale,” she said.

•If you would like to help, call Mrs Peniston on 703-0976 or e-mail reginapenistonbda@gmail.com