Dew Drop Inn ready to serve Christmas dinner to 400

THUNDER BAY -- The Dew Drop Inn is ready to serve 400 people if that many come through the door Christmas Day.

With 36 turkeys, more than 200 pounds of potatoes and all the trimmings, St. Andrew's Soup Kitchen president Paul Deighton said all that's left to do is serve the meal.

"Part of what we do at Christmas is to make sure no matter how many people come to the door that we have more than sufficient food to make sure that nobody gets turned away hungry," he said.

They'll also leave with a gift. Donated toys, scarves, toques and even chocolate have been coming in over the last few weeks to make sure there's something under the tree for people of all ages.

"They're not just our neighbours, they've become our friends. Everybody deserves to be treated special at Christmas," Deighton said.
"It's our way of trying to show these folks that we think they're special."

The 25 volunteers needed for Christmas have been scheduled for six weeks. Deighton figures even if double that were needed, the Christmas meal service could easily be filled. It's hoped that the generosity shown during the holiday season continues as the Dew Drop serves a meal 365 days a year with volunteers needed.

"It's a need that keeps renewing itself every day," Deighton said of hunger.

Port Arthur Rotary Club's Roland Turner said his group, which volunteers at the kitchen for the last Thursday of every month, has seen the need grow through the years.

"It's surprising when we get here how many people really need this service," he said.