Christmas compassion:
Salvation Army dinner provides warmth, meal for families
The Salvation Army, with the help of dozens of volunteers, served a free Christmas meal for thousands of people at the Phoenix Convention Center. Families could take professional photos, children could visit with Santa and presents were handed out.
toughThe Salvationtimes in Armythe past. had ¶ helpedOn Sunday Shekinah morning, Flowersit was and Flowers’her family turn throughto repay somethe favor, spending part of her Christmas Day as a volunteer at the group’s free holiday dinner in Phoenix. ¶ As guests arrived at the Phoenix Convention Center downtown, Flowers greeted them with a smile and a candy cane. Other volunteers passed out cups of hot cocoa and coffee.
“This is my way of giving back,” Flowers said.
The thousands of patrons who waited in lines to enter were not only there to break bread, but also for the warmth, good cheer and holiday spirit.
Families could have their portraits professionally taken, and children could get their photo with Santa Claus. Also available to guests were live entertainment, haircuts, arts and crafts, and a station to make free long-distance phone calls, courtesy of AT&T.
“When families are going through things, they need to feel like they can have a meal and celebrate with everyone in their families without having to worry at least one day of the year,” Flowers said.
The event is more than just a place to get a free meal, said Maj. Nancy Dihle, program coordinator for the Salvation Army Phoenix.
“Guests are served by volunteers with nice linens, and their dishes are cleared away when they’re finished,” Dihle said. “We want them to have the experience of people caring for them. We don’t see the people (who) come here as clients, we see them as guests.”
Dihle has been part of the Salvation Army for 35 years, but it’s her first in the Phoenix program.
“I’ve been impressed with the generosity I’ve seen here in Phoenix, just to support members of our community.”
Dihle estimates that there were approximately 5,000 in-house guests this year. Additionally, 2,200 people had Christmas dinner delivered to their homes by volunteers.
“Not everyone can make it out to this event, so it’s important that we get volunteers out to their homes to add a personal touch,” she said.
Children in attendance were each given an individual gift, along with a stocking stuffer. Several organizations contributed to the present drive, including Forgotten Angels, a program under the Salvation Army that collects toys for children around the holidays.
“In a way, some of the children who come here are forgotten angels,” Dihle said.
Volunteer Ryan Malarkey has done security for Salvation Army events the last couple of years but this was his first Christmas.
“It’s a safe and warm place where families don’t have to worry and have the chance to spend time with their families,” he said. “It’s important to give back and Salvation Army is always visible in the community.”
Victor Robinson herded all seven of his children over to the the beanbag toss. The Phoenix father said that he takes part in the Salvation Army Christmas Dinner every year and that the event is a blessing for him and his family.
“It helps people who can’t afford to eat on the holidays,” Robinson said. “It makes me happy, and it make the kids happy.”
John Russell of Flagstaff said he likes seeing how active all the volunteers are and is grateful they chose to spend their Christmas helping others.
“I would like to volunteer with the Salvation Army some day — or really anywhere,” he said.