Salvation Army invites community to Christmas Dinner at Golden Hall
SAN DIEGO, CA (Dec. 2017) When the doors open at 11:30 am on Christmas Day, up to 1,200 people will be escorted to linen draped tables by 350 volunteers. At noon, when everyone is seated, volunteers will begin serving a piping hot, traditional Christmas dinner. Guests include seniors with no other place to go, struggling working families, single parents, the homeless and often those who are simply alone on Christmas.
“This time of year can be very difficult for many people,” says Major George Baker, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army. “We encourage anyone who is struggling, hungry or alone to join us on this special day.”
Santa will make an appearance during the dinner. Once the children have eaten, they will be given Christmas stockings stuffed with small toys when they leave Golden Hall.
Philanthropist Joan Kroc brought this tradition to Golden Hall in 1983, sponsoring a large community dinner to make sure that no one would spend the holiday alone. Many people believe that Christmas dinner is offered only to the homeless, but The Salvation Army has been serving anyone looking for a warm meal and great company since 1887.
The Army is preparing to serve 1,200 guests a traditional Christmas dinner:
450 pounds of sliced baked ham 1,200 dinner rolls
250 pounds of cornbread stuffing 1,200 margarine square
300 pounds of creamy mashed potatoes 1,200 half-pints of milk
356 pounds of green bean almondine 120 chocolate cream pies
30 gallons of cranberry glaze
Guests begin arriving as early as 9 a.m. and as they wait on the concourse, they will be entertained by The Salvation Army brass band and greeted by Salvation Army officers, soldiers and volunteers.
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