Anyone without a place to spend Christmas Day has a seat at Shequanda Boone’s table.

Boone, owner of Rarelush, and her mother, Nita Jenkins, have issued an open dinner invitation, welcoming people with no plans for the holiday to their community dinner. The duo will be serving hot meals and distributing donated items — blankets, gently-used clothing and toys for children — at Living Waters Christian Center, 1226 White Marsh Road, from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 25.

“Nobody should have to spend Christmas alone,” said Boone, 24. “We wanted to find a way we could help.”

The two are expecting about 200 people, mostly homeless and veterans, to show up, Boone said. But anyone is welcome, she added.

With the recent layoffs at Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard, Christmas may be tough for some families this year, said Jenkins.

“I have never experienced homelessness but I have had to go without,” said Jenkins, owner of Heavenly Home Health Care. “I know there are a lot of needs out there.”

Jenkins had initially planned a quiet Christmas. But she’s excited about her daughter’s idea, which has quickly exploded into a community effort.

Living Waters is opening on Christmas Day. Several local businesses and churches have put out boxes to collect toys, blankets and gently used clothing to give people in need. Others have donated money.

More than 20 people have volunteered to bring food: turkey, chicken, collards and other traditional fare.

Local churches, civic organizations and businesses will be passing out fliers to let people know about the event.

Anyone who wants to donate can drop off items at Heavenly Home Health Care, 707 Gittings St., or can call Boone at 739-7460.