VOLUNTEERS in Dawlish are pulling out all the stops to make sure the elderly, vulnerable, those in need and those will be on their own at Christmas are well looked after.
Covid-19 has meant the annual lunches at the Strand Centre have had to be cancelled for the second year running for safety reasons.
But the dedicated team are determined to make sure everyone who needs help, food and sustenance will be catered for.
This year, 60 Christmas lunches with all the trimmings will be delivered to residents around the town.
Marie Whitehead, of the Strand Centre, said: ‘These lunches are for people who would normally come to the centre and would otherwise be on their own.
‘It’s sad we can’t have people here but these are people who are vulnerable and elderly so it is better to be safe than sorry.
‘We are disappointed but several people have said they are not surprised and it’s lovely we are able to deliver the lunches.
‘It means they will get a visit and as well as their lunch, they will receive a small gift bag so we hope they won’t feel abandoned and will cheer them up a little bit.’
Volunteers will be dressing for the occasion from an elf costume to Christmas jumpers.
Hampers have also been put together for individuals and families who have been helped by the Strand Centre over the last year, some with food parcels.
Donations have flooded in to make up the hampers which include items such as mince pies, chocolates, sweets and small presents.
Again this year the turkeys were donated by Dawlish restaurant Ducky Delish.