Volunteers Prepare Salvation Army Thanksgiving Meal

“We fundraise, we do benefits, and we help out the people in need”, said club president Jesus Contreras.

Salvation Army spokeswoman Rachael Fowler said a lot of the people who come for the sittings have nowhere else to go, and don’t have family or enough money to buy a full holiday meal. Salvation Army said they had several volunteers Thursday.

Clement has only been with Salvation Army for a year, but her infectious laugh and warm personality have made her queen of the kitchen.

The hot meals went to veterans, seniors and families in need.

That’s the kind of Thanksgiving meal that happened Wednesday at the Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids.

The meal is served from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.at The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Lodge, 2400 Edison Avenue in Fort Myers.

Volunteers are needed every day, except Sundays, between now and Christmas Eve.

Again this year, the Thanksgiving meal will include a special performance by volunteer Doug Cameron, a renowned violinist who will delight diners with lovely music during the meal.

The bell-ringing program is run on a completely volunteer basis with community groups, churches and individuals signing up to ring bells until December 23.

The 51-year-old Bay City woman now is raising her grandchildren alone without a vehicle and battling cancer. Not only can you swipe and donate, but you can also start your own red kettle campaign online.

“This is some place they can come they can sit and have something to eat”, Flanagan said.

Major Bradshaw said: “We have had an increase in agencies working with us which will add to the increase in children referred to us”.

Last year, more than 2,000 toys were donated across the area and the Salvation Army is hoping to beat that this year.