Annual Milwaukee Salvation Army Christmas meal serves thousands

MILWAUKEE - The Salvation Army brought strangers together in Milwaukee to feel that sense of community too with the 35th annual Christmas Family Feast on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

The Christmas spirit was very present at the Baird Center as thousands gathered to take part in Wisconsin's largest Christmas day meal.

"It means everything," said Lorenzo Sandifer, who attended the feat.

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A Christmas celebration roughly 4,000 people from all walks of life got up early and took part in.,

"Me and my kids and my nieces and nephews, I went to go get them so they all can come too," said Celia Brown, who attended the feast with family.

It’s a holiday treat everyone enjoyed.

"The food is always good, even this food," said Kingson, a teen with Celia's family attending the feast. "I’m eating some chicken. I’m eating well."

The holiday feast was made possible with the help of nearly 420 volunteers.

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"It's just a time for individuals to come and have fellowship," said Major Beverly Gates, Divisional Secretary for Milwaukee County Area Command. "Some that come with families and some come alone and just enjoy the fellowship."

It brought smiles and cheer.

"It actually means a lot for people to actually get up in the morning and do this stuff," said Kingson. "It's good. I love it."

It's a celebration several families say they look forward to every year.