Salvation Army seeks 200 volunteers for Christmas meal

Event at the Phoenix Convention Center

The Salvation Army is still seeking about 200 volunteers to pull off its annual Christmas meal for people in need in Phoenix.

The meal service is one of the largest holiday outreach events for people experiencing homelessness and hunger in metro Phoenix. Organizers expect to serve 7,500 meals, requiring the work of hundreds of volunteers.

“Our Thanksgiving dinner took the efforts of around 900 volunteers, and with more meals expected to be provided on Christmas Day, we hope that the people of our generous community will consider giving a few hours of their time to help us feed the hungry to brighten their holidays," Salvation Army metro Phoenix program coordinator Major David Yardley said in a news release.

In addition to handing out meals, the event will also include free haircuts, games, prayer, music and gifts.

The nonprofit is primarily looking for people 12 and older to work on Christmas Day at the Phoenix Convention Center. As of Sunday afternoon, open shifts included:

● 80 people for the cleaning team. Some spots are for cleaning the serving area during the event, some for kitchen clean-up, and some for cleaning after the event.

● 40 people to be greeters, who will be the first ones that the guests meet when they come into the event. These volunteers will also help supervise games and serve coffee and juice.

● 40 people to be ushers to seat guests for dining.

● 30 people to be on the security team, which will be stationed at entry and exit points as well as the restrooms in each of the areas. Some will be patrolling the venue. Must be at least 18 years old.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and the meal is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteer shifts begin as early as 6:30 a.m. and end as late as 4 p.m.

Additionally, Salvation Army is seeking 10 to 12 people 16 or older who can work 6 to 10 a.m. on Thursday to do meal prep and cook for the service, according to spokesperson Scott Johnson.

Volunteers can sign up at https:// www.salvationarmyphoenix.org/volunteer.

Anyone is welcome to attend the free event. Registration is not required.