Soup kitchens are warming up their stoves so they can warm hearts this Christmas.
Siloam Mission's Communication Manager, Luke Thiessen, was holding out hope for a near-normal Christmas meal, but rising case counts, including a small outbreak at Siloam, put a kink in that plan. He is, however, thankful they can give their visitors a warm meal.
"We can't cook such a big, complicated meal every day or every week but we can do it a few times a year."
They are expecting 600 people to walk through their doors to pick up a hot plate on Christmas. This is a special time for the Christian ministry as they would typically pull all the stops for guests, including having musical performances and special guests.
"Siloam is a Christian organization and Christmas is one of the chances we get to celebrate that," he says. "All of our holiday meals are a chance to bring a little brightness and specialness."
Shelter users will wake up to a Christmas gift of their own; a backpack filled with hand warmers, chocolate, and more.
The picture of a bustling Christmas season goes for Union Gospel Mission as well. Chaplain Mark Kelm says it's the busiest time of the year.
"We really see Jesus at work here at the mission around Christmas time," Kelm says. "It's amazing because sometimes we feel we sit back and follow His lead because He is doing here today what He did 2,00 years ago, which is caring and loving for those that are lost."
They will be hosting their Christmas dinner on New Year's Day, as many other shelters have meals on Christmas. They will be having people in groups of 20 at a time for service and meal. Meals will also be handed out at the door.
Kelm is expecting 200 people for their meals, hoping to give each visitor a Christmas gift.
Lighthouse Mission hosted its Christmas dinner on Thursday.