A local group serving a weekly dinner to Vernon's homeless population has seen a spike in the number of hungry mouths.
Packman Opens Hearts fills a gap by providing meals on Sunday nights when the Upper Room Mission is closed (the group used to serve meals on Monday nights).
"With that being said, it has doubled our people to feed," said Tracey Griffin, who prepares and serves the meals with her husband and a few volunteers from the back of their truck behind People Place.
So, in preparation for a special Christmas dinner they are planning, Griffin is expecting a large crowd.
"Christmas dinner on the street this year will hit 100 meals," she said of the indoors Dec. 22, 4 p.m. feast at Heritage Hall (next to the Science Centre). "Honestly, 100 meals scares the heck out of me. But deep down, I know our group together with the help of the community can pull it off."
The group is in need of dinner food donations, items for stockings and Santa.
"If you're a people person and willing to donate a couple hours this would be perfect for you," said Griffin. "We have the Santa suit."
E-transfers are also accepted for the Elves to do the shopping. Send to randytraceymiller@outlook.com and password xmasdonation.
Items needed for dinner are ham, cans of cranberries, dinner rolls, desserts and take-away meal containers. Items needed for the stockings include oranges, face cloths, hand or foot warmers and $5 Tim Hortons gift cards, by Dec. 13 so the Elves can put everything together.
"I am begging the community for help."
Packman isn't the only group looking to spread cheer over the holiday season.
The Upper Room Mission is collecting backpacks until Dec. 16 to hand out to guests Dec. 20 from 2-4:30 p.m. during its special Christmas Dinner. Anyone wanting to give some joy and warmth is asked to fill backpacks with items like deodorant, soap, a towel, toothbrush, comb, tissue, warm socks, shaving razor, mitts, scarf, toque, flashlight, nail clippers, hand warmers, bottle of water and candy.
Donations are also being doubled this Christmas thanks to Bell Lumber & Pole Company. Every donation made to the Upper Room Mission will be matched dollar for dollar91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”up to $12,250.
Visit or e-transfer to administration@vernonurm.org or drop a cheque off at 3403 27th Ave.
There are also a number of groups coming together to serve special free warm meals throughout the month of December.
It starts with the Festive Feast Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11-12:30 p.m. at the Anglican Church.
The Salvation Army serves a Christmas lunch Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. followed by Packman's dinner.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25, head to the Schubert Centre for the Together for Christmas Holiday Meal from 3-6 p.m.
The Upper Room Mission, which serves two meals daily, is closed on Sundays as well as on Dec. 19, Dec. 24 (afternoon), Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
There is a morning meal Dec. 9 at Alliance Church from 9-11 a.m.
A mobile dinner stops at the north end of town near Tim Hortons Dec. 24 at 3:30 p.m. and moves onto 35th Avenue and 32nd Street (near the Tiger Esso) and then Polson Park.
The mobile dinner goes again Dec. 26 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and again Jan. 1.
The Salvation Army Street Church lunch is at 1 p.m. Near Year's Day.
