KNOXVILLE, TENN. - December 23 - The Salvation Army will again open its doors for a traditional Christmas dinner this Sunday. Up to 1,000 guests are expected for what has become a Christmas tradition at The Salvation Army. Doors will open at 12 p.m. and dinner will be served until 5 p.m.
The Salvation Army serves three meals a day, 365 days a year to those in their residential programs. However, on Sundays and on Christmas day, lunch is available to anyone.
"It's a huge event for us," said Thomas Orth, Kitchen Director at The Salvation Army. "It's a challenge to fit everyone into our facility and the preparations are a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it," added Orth. "It's an opportunity for us to share Christ's love with our community on the day that we celebrate His birth."
The kitchen staff has been preparing for the special meal for several days - cooking turkeys and hams, making homemade stuffing and baking pies for dessert.
More than 20 volunteers are also scheduled to serve on Christmas day. "Our volunteers are eager to serve on Christmas," said Volunteer Coordinator, Yvonne Yates. "Like everything at The Salvation Army, it takes a team of employees, donors and volunteers to make it a success."
Major Don Vick will be available for interview from 12 - 1 p.m. For more information call (865) 525-9401.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.