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When members of St. Michael and All Angels Church in Adelphi began offering free dinners for underprivileged residents in 2005, they advertised the events with fliers but few, if any, people showed up.

"Nobody wants to be looked upon as though they're the needy," said dinner co-coordinator Debbie Gibbs of Hyattsville. "We said, ‘This isn't working.'"

After a couple of months, they began calling it a "free community dinner" out of respect to the attendees, and attendance soared. The monthly dinner now serves more than 35 residents — most of whom range from homeless to low-income earners — and includes a free grocery distribution.

"It's good that they would do this," said Francois Celcis of Adelphi, as he chatted with a group of fellow diners on Saturday. "You've got good food and everything is OK here."

On the third Saturday of each month, the church opens its doors, offering a usual menu of chicken, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, salad and other items. Afterward, attendees depart with their choice of free items including pasta, rice, peanut butter, cheese and bread.

The food is supplied mainly through reduced-cost groceries from the nonprofit Capital Area Food Bank and donations from church members. Gibbs said attendance has increased this year, from an average of about 25 people to about 35, likely due to better word of mouth and tough economic times.

The event has helped many residents, including Samuel Cruz of Adelphi. Cruz manages equipment at a local gym and his wife, Nereida Morales, stays home and cares for their 5-month-old son, Christopher Cruz. Saturday was the second time he and his family attended the meal.

"We don't make that much, I guess," Cruz said. "I love that they do this. It helps a lot of us out."

Saturday's meal drew more than 40 people and volunteers could soon expands their efforts, Gibbs said. The church began hosting two monthly dinners in August — the additional dinner is on the first Sunday of the month — and could continue to do so in coming months.

"We are so proud and glad that God has helped us to do this to help others in need," said church volunteer Gloria Quartey, who lives in Silver Spring. "Those who sometimes find it difficult to have a meal, we're happy to help them."

-When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 (third Saturday of every month)

-Where: St. Michael and All Angels Church in Adelphi

-Address: 8501 New Hampshire Ave.

-For more information, call 301-434-4646.