PHOENIX (AZFamily)—The Salvation Army held its annual Christmas dinner Wednesday at the Phoenix Convention Center, providing food, fun and friendship to everyone who walked in.
“We want everybody to know they are loved and cared for, and the Salvation Army is here for them, especially on Christmas Day,” said Lt. Loren Philpot with the Salvation Army.
Many guests have fallen on hard times, struggling to pay the rent or feed their families.
Volunteers lined up to greet guests as if they were royalty.
“I decided that like giving back and I thought this was a great time to do it,” said volunteer Terry Craig.
“Its just something I’ve always wanted to do,” said volunteer Lorna Jenkins.
There was live music, games, free haircuts, and a Christmas meal with all the fixings.
Kids were also given a present from Santa.
Richard Slack, of Gold Canyon, has been volunteering with his family for 29 years.
He’s said that seeing everyone step up to help folks in need is what Christmas is all about.
“What’s most important for us is to show our family the value of how to spend Christmas,” said Slack. “Before we had children we decided then, as we had our kids, we’d bring them through here.”
Roberta Craig brought 13 family members to the Christmas dinner.
It’s a celebration they’ll never forget.
“It makes it possible for us to have dinner together,” said Slack. “Sometimes we can’t afford food, so this makes it easier to have meal on Christmas.”
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