Salvation Army of San Angelo Serves Up Thanksgiving Meals

Dozens of volunteers from the Salvation Army in Salt Lake, feed hundreds of Thanksgiving meals Thursday. “It’s really a touching moment”.

While people who arrive for the regular lunches are asked to sign in, the annual Thanksgiving meal is open to anyone, the Jacksons said. “It helps others who don’t have families to go to, or their family might be out of town and they need a place to go”.

More than 100 volunteers cooked, served, and decorated for the occasion. “You get into pleasing the people and that makes it all worthwhile”.

On a day for giving thanks, those volunteers are also giving back.

Chichita Michel volunteered for the first time.

“It is a warm feeling to see the folks coming back”, said Davis, who’s a third-year volunteer.

“So many people just really need to have a hot meal”.

“This day brings everyone together if we know each other or not”, said Thomas.

The holidays are a busy time of year, especially for charities like the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay.

The feast was not just for those in need, although numerous guests are down on their luck. “This is not a soup kitchen”.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout today”, she said.

The meal is made possible by donations from community members, area businesses and groups like the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. However more important than the stuffing food is spending the day with family. And the money stays on-island, with most of every dollar going directly into services.

Those working and receiving say the meals mean much more to them than just a plate of food – it is a reminder of all they’ve gone through and what their future holds. “We’ll also deliver meals to homes for people who can’t come in”.

“Being able to spend time with people who I usually can’t spend time with”. “There are huge poverty rates on the island … yet they’re grateful for anything they can get”.

“Just enjoying a holiday with people in my community I don’t even have to know them just seeing people happy enjoying a holiday together with flawless strangers from all different walks of life”, she explained.

Even though it’s under new owner ship, The Slow Bone crew will be honoring its free, annual Thanksgiving meal.

“I want people (here) to know that they’re loved, cared for, and that there’s a community here for them”, Sherman said.