WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The tables are prepped and the silverware is set for hundreds of people at Saint Vincent De Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre.
Eric Woelfel is a volunteer, who made his return back to help since the pandemic.
"The places looks great! The table settings are great. It's just a wonderful thing to do," said Woelfel.
Piping hot food, fresh from the oven this Thanksgiving. About 75 turkeys are roasted and 80 pounds of stuffing top the holiday menu. Michael Cianciotta has been the director at the kitchen for the past 13 years. He has the holiday preparations down to a science.
"It's a full thanksgiving meal, so in order to feel that many people, all week long we've been prepping," added Cianciotta.
Dozens of volunteers coming together on the holiday to make it all possible. Nancy Prebish has spent nearly two decades volunteering her time at the Kitchen.
"I come here three times a week, and I see new faces everyday. Times are hard with the prices of food and everything, so it's good to see people coming out. But, days we don't see certain people, we worry about them," said Prebish.
They say it's no easy feat serving up hundreds of meals, to meet the growing need in the community.
"We've been volunteering since 2010, and there's a lot more women and a lot more children than when we first started volunteering," said Woelfel.
"When you see the kids smile just to get a cupcake, it breaks your heart. But, it also fills your heart knowing they're happy," added Cianciotta.
Thursday's service was a stray from their traditional 'cafeteria style' seating. To celebrate the holiday, their patrons were given the full-service dining experience.
"You see the people when they come in, the smile on their face, and when they sit down and eat their fellow ship, they sit and talk with one another. It's a real family atmosphere," added Cianciotta
The kitchen serving up delicious food and dignity this holiday.
"We have so many people thanking us, and saying 'God Bless you' and everything. It really, really tears at your heart when you see how people appreciate it," said Prebish.
Making sure stomachs and hearts leave full this Thanksgiving in Wilkes-Barre.
St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen plans on doing a similar style service for the Christmas Holiday.
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