Providing Thanksgiving Dinner for Needy Families
Last year Sandy and Mike Rowles passed out cold drinks to guests at the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner. The couple came from Fontana to volunteer. Photo by Ricardo Tombac
A happy crew of volunteers pauses while serving meals from the kitchen at a previous Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo by Ricardo Tombac
The San Bernardino Corps will serve dinner from 11 am to 1 pm on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, at its Corps headquarters building, 746 West Fifth St.
“Times are really tough for everyone, especially at this time of year when people really need an extra hand to get them through the holiday season,” said Major Nancy Ball, San Bernardino Corps officer. “We have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner planned, complete with turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables and pie.”
The annual Thanksgiving meal brings in hundreds of families and individuals who do not have the means to provide themselves a Thanksgiving dinner. People come from throughout the Inland Empire for the celebration. The San Bernardino event has traditionally served close to 400 people in one year.
The hungry families are joined by hundreds of volunteers for the day who help prepare the food and serve meals to the families. Along with sending out a call to volunteers to help serve, the Salvation Army is encouraging people to donate turkeys or hams, side dishes and other food by calling (909) 888-4880.
“An effort of this magnitude is not a one person show,” said Major Ball. “Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve the food along with decorating the facility. It is truly is a community effort in making this event a success. Thanksgiving should be a special day for everyone, not just for those who can afford it.”
Other Salvation Army Corps in the Inland Empire are also planning Thanksgiving dinners. Dates, times and locations are as follows:
- Salvation Army Redlands Nov. 24th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Salvation Army Riverside Nov. 23rd from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Salvation Army Moreno Valley Nov. 24th from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
- Salvation Army Ontario Nov. 24th from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Salvation Army Victor Valley Nov. 25th from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
To receive more information about the dates and times for the dinners at San Bernardino Salvation Army and other corps, or to volunteer please call 1800-SAL-ARMY or 1-800-725-2769.
About the Salvations Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
For local help, please call (909) 888-1336.
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