The holiday spirit was out in full force, as a local restaurant served up hundreds of free turkey dinners to the community on Christmas Day.
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Quo Vadis Pizzeria, located at 316 St. Clair St. in Chatham, provided the meals throughout the afternoon.
The dinner was open to anyone, not just those facing hard times, organizers said, noting they also didn’t want people to feel alone this season. Take-out meals were available as well.
“We’re definitely past 300,” said Michael Day, organizer and cook with the restaurant. “We’re just pumping away as fast as we can.”
He said the dinners were previously given out to people in baskets, however, this was the first year it was served in the restaurant.
The meal featured a full Christmas turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberries, rolls and carrot cake.
“It feels so good, even to do it on this multitude of a level. It’s just unbelievable,” Day said, crediting the many volunteers who helped.
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“The need is unreal and it’s great that we’re able to do this.”
Owner Harshana Fernando, who also assists local agencies such as FreeHelpCK, echoed a similar sentiment.
“I can’t word it,” he said of the feeling. “We expected a lot of pickups and deliveries. …Everybody’s so happy. It’s a good feeling.”
Kristy Gold, a bartender at the Elephant’s Nest in downtown Chatham, led the fundraising efforts, including collecting donations from customers, Day noted.
Patrons in the dining room were appreciative of the holiday gesture.
“It was very good. First time in here for me,” Ernie Lalumiere said, adding it was nice to be able to have a sit-down meal. “I hope they have it every year.”
His daughter, Ashley, was also enjoying the chance for the community to gather together.
“It’s very important at this time of year,” she said.
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