Stone Soup volunteers turn out on Christmas to feed the hungry

The crisp white table cloths, garlands of greenery and white twinkling Christmas lights cheerfully complemented the red upholstered chairs and carpet of the dining room at First Christian Church on Sixth Street on Tuesday evening.

Though they did not know how many were coming for the Stone Soup Christmas dinner, a dozen volunteers busily worked to prepare a meal for about 100 hungry Corvallis residents.

Half of the volunteers stood around a stainless steel counter peeling potatoes. Armed with peelers and paring knives, they made quick work of more than 50 pounds of potatoes.

“Doing something for someone else on Christmas Day is the ultimate gift,” said LoErna Simpson of Corvallis, half-peeled potato in hand.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas with family in Texas tomorrow,” she said. “Today I can give the gift of time.”

With food donated by the community, from Linn-Benton Food Share and purchased by the non-profit Stone Soup free-meal-assistance program, an elaborate feast was in the works.

Ham, turkey and all the trimmings, including scalloped potatoes and green beans, followed by peach pies made for a yummy and well-rounded meal. Lochmead Dairy donated several gallons of egg nog and chocolate milk for the occasion — a significant donation and a special treat, said Stone Soup meal coordinator Sue Schulz.

Fleece blankets, gloves, hats and socks were also available to all comers.

“Everybody gets a new pair of socks for Christmas,” Schulz said.

Stone Soup has been serving meals to the hungry in Corvallis for 25 years. Meals are served daily, either at the St. Mary’s school gym at 501 N.W. 25th St. or at the First Christian Church at 602 S.W. Madison Ave.

“It’s run completely by volunteers,” Schulz said.

MEAL SCHEDULE

St. Mary’s school gym

501 N.W. 25th St.

* Monday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

* Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

* Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

* Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

First Christian Church

602 S.W. Madison Ave.

* Tuesday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

* Saturday, 10 to 11 a.m.

* Sunday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.