So this is Christmas . . .and what have you done?

Students at Lindsay Place High School in Pointe Claire are once more bringing their year's work to a head in December and getting ready to serve 1,000 Christmas dinners to the homeless on Dec. 25.

The group of about 50 students from all grade levels, led by Lindsay Place teacher John Kesson is frantically preparing the feast, which they’ll serve at the Old Brewery Mission downtown.

It'll be the fifth year the group has served dinner to Old Brewery Mission residents, and this year, they'll be able to kick in just a little bit more, with gifts of heavy winter socks, hats and scarfs, as well as the standard package of toiletries and other yuletide surprises.

What makes this group different from others that collect food and canned goods at Christmas?

"These kids aren't exactly your typical community-minded kids. A lot of them have had some trouble in school and a few have been suspended. But when you see them grow and change after working (with Old Brewery Mission residents) you realize what an effect the project has on them," Kesson said.

The group has raised more than $50,000 over five years to fund the Christmas treats for Old Brewery Mission residents, and this year, they're getting down to crunch time.

The students will be bagging groceries to raise some last-minute cash at Maxi in Dorval on Dec. 12-14.

It's a year-round fundraiser, but donors can be sure their money is going to something and immediate.

"We don't give money; we but food and other gifts, and just the experience of working with some of the homeless people has made all the difference for some of these kids. These are people that don't get taken care of very often, and it's nice for us to be able to do that for them at Christmas," he said.

To donate food, time, energy or money, call Kesson through Lindsay Place High School. At 514-694-2760.