SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Preparations are well underway across Michiana for Christmas dinner, but not everyone has the means to cook for the holiday.
For those who wanted or needed to go a different route for their holiday meal, Chicory Cafe held an event on Wednesday afternoon.
From ham, to potatoes, veggies and rolls, families across the area are getting ready for an annual feast. Chicory Cafe staff passed out individual and family meals for hundreds of people.
"The most rewarding part is the appreciation that comes from the people who may be called last minute like today, or yesterday in a panic because they needed to make a miracle happen and we were able to make that miracle happen for them," said Brandy Charles, general manager at Chicory Café and events center.
Around 300 people came to pick up food at Chicory today, and Charles believes it was a larger turnout than previous years. Getting staff to come in on Christmas Eve can be a challenge for some, but at Chicory?
“Nope, not at all, we get out at a decent time, so still plenty of time to be with family, and like i said, they love participating in this too, it puts joy in their hearts, we love it,” said Charles.
While some are coming to pick up a meal for their own family, one woman ABC57 spoke with is picking up for a family friend of hers who is currently in treatment for cancer. She's known this friend for around a decade and is elated that she can bring a little bit of Christmas cheer for a family dealing with tough times.
“I think it's going to mean a lot to her, it means a lot to me, I'm going to bring my son and daughter with, my daughter was friends with her daughter years ago, and I'm hoping that, for my daughter to participate in this special partake i think is really important as well, teaching your children that there's more to Christmas than that, it's more than presents, it's helping a family out that can make everybody happy with a great meal,” said Jennifer English, Granger resident.
Charles says there usually aren't leftovers, but if there are, they'll be given to Cultivate food rescue, who will ensure the food doesn't go to waste.