The Salvation Army continued its Christmas tradition of serving up turkey and gravy in Red Deer.
About 30 volunteers gathered early to prepare the traditional festive meal and served it Tuesday afternoon. About a dozen people waited in line outside The Salvation Army for the doors to open at noon.
Maj. Larry Bridger, pastor and director of The Salvation Army’s Red Deer Community Church and Family Services, said the meal wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers.
The warm plate of food was free for everyone.
Bridger expected to serve about 200 people, including 22 deliveries. Volunteers were preparing for deliveries – another tradition for the organization. Bridger said deliveries are for those people who may not be mobile and who place an order ahead of time.
“They would primarily be seniors, and transportation becomes an issue sometimes, or they are just not very mobile,” he explained.
“Hats off to Associated Cabs, they do a great job,” said Bridger, adding the company’s drivers work with The Salvation Army to deliver the meals.
The organization also provides annual Christmas hampers in the community.
“We had about 45 senior applications and that’s more than 45 people, because some are couples. But we had 45 applications, and that was up from 32 last year for the Christmas hampers,” Bridger explained.
The hampers went out last week.
Bridger said people are grateful for the warm plate of food during the holiday season.
“As people are leaving, people are just so grateful to have a good meal; lot of positive comments.”
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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