Inland Empire's Needy Families Come Together To Give Thanks

Up to 900 people will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at The Salvation Army Corps in San Bernardino.
Volunteers serve Thanksgiving dinner at The Salvation Army Corps in San Bernardino.
A man enjoys Thanksgiving Dinner at The Salvation Army Corps in San Bernardino.



(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) This holiday season your local Salvation Army Corps will hold their annual Thanksgiving dinner to help the needy families of the Inland Empire. The dinners start Nov. 26 or Nov. 27 depending on the Corps.

The San Bernardino Corps will serve dinner from 11 am to 2 pm on Nov. 27.

The annual event brings in hundreds of families and individuals who do not have the means to provide themselves a Thanksgiving dinner. People come from all parts of the Inland Empire for this festive event. “We’ll serve between 700 and 900 people,” says Salvation Army Captain Stephen Ball.

“This year we were fortunate enough to receive donations of 20 hams from The United Way, city and county officials and school districts” said Salvation Army Shelter Director Roosevelt Carroll. “Also the Inland Empire Job Corps will provide 100 pumpkin pies, a Thanksgiving staple.”

The Salvation Army pulls out all the stops by providing families with an array of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and biscuits. It’s still searching for donors who could provide about 20 roasted turkeys.

Every year The Salvation Army receives hundreds of requests to become volunteers for the day by helping serve food to the families. An estimated 125 volunteers helped the San Bernardino Corps, from the preparation of food to serving the hundreds of people that walk into their doors. “This year we expect the same turnout in volunteers as last year,” says Carroll.

“Thanksgiving should be a special day for everyone not just for those who can afford it,” says Captain Stephen Ball.

To receive information about the dates and times for the dinners at other corps besides San Bernardino, or to volunteer, give them a call at 1800-SAL-ARMY or 1-800-725-2769.


About The Salvation Army
About the Salvations Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

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