Hundreds Get Free Christmas Feast

The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corp hosted its annual Christmas Dinner for hundreds of needy families at its headquarters on Fifth Street in San Bernardino on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve worship services began the nigh prior in the chapel. For 127 years, the annual San Bernardino Salvation Army Christmas dinner has served thousands of people in thousands of families. The Christmas Dinner helps single mothers with children and people who do not have the means to provide them selves a Christmas dinner or seek Christian fellowship with others from the communities Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino. People come from throughout the Inland Valley for this Christmas dinner, which often serves more than 300 people each year. This year, guests enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, consisting of potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, pie and other food received through donations. “Every year, the community and volunteers come together to provide the food preparation and service of holiday meals to dinner guests,” said Major Daniel Henderson, Commander of The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corp. “Our volunteers really do an outstanding job, helping to make a difference for those who are less fortunate during the holiday season, as well as throughout the year.” Many of the services provided by the Salvation Army, such as this annual Community Christmas dinner, are made possible through in-kind donations and money raised through the Red Kettle Bell Ringer campaign. Each Christmas, Inland Empire Salvation Army Corps combine to serve more than 1,000 people holiday meals. The hungry families are joined by hundreds of volunteers who help prepare the food and serve meals to the families. Along with asking volunteers to help serve food, the Salvation Army is encouraging people to donate turkeys or hams, side dishes and other food by calling 909-888-1336. “The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at our Hospitality House living shelter,” said Major Henderson. Up to 75 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters. “Last year 60,475 free, hot, nutritious meals were served to the hungry from The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter, and Sunday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. at the Corps Office on 746 West 5th Street in San Bernardino,” said Major Henderson