Good Samaritan Inn stays open every day in Decatur

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Whether it is summer, winter, raining, or icy, The Good Samaritan Inn keeps its doors open to anyone who needs a free meal.

"Good Sam is open every day, 365 days a year," said Nicky Besser, the Executive Director for the organization. "We never close in weather like this. We don't close for holidays or anything else. So, if you're hungry, we're here."

People that come to the inn have the option of a hot meal or bagged lunch that is served every day of the year.

"This is the time when many people need us the most. Some of them may not have adequate heat in their homes, they may not have the ability to heat their food or store food," Besser said. "Some of them are homeless, some of them are just housed but food insecure and so for us to stay open not only feeds those who are able to make it, but it sends the message that we will be here for you, you are important, we see you, and we value you."

The Inn served 96 lunches today, which is a relatively low number compared to what they're used to.

Besser said, "What I tell our volunteers is that, you know, on a day like today, we fed less than 100 people which is really low for us, but those 100 people really need it."

For anyone interested in donating or volunteering, GoodSamaritanInn.org has more information.