"We're grateful:" Thousands enjoy home-cooked Christmas Feast thanks to Salvation Army

MILWAUKEE -- The biggest Christmas meal in Wisconsin is served in downtown Milwaukee on Christmas Day! The Salvation Army is behind the annual Christmas Family Feast.

Christmas cheer could be heard throughout the Wisconsin Center Friday morning, as thousands of hungry folks stood in line for a home-cooked traditional Christmas feast.

It's an event for everybody -- some who couldn't afford their own meal, while others look for some friendship over the holidays.

Javonia Harper says Christmas in her house isn't the same as it used to be.

"Families have departed, everybody is off to their own thing," said Harper, eating with her children.

So to avoid loneliness, Harper brought her kids to the Christmas Family Feast.

"Just enjoying the meal as a family because we don't have a lot of family," said Harper.

"We're grateful. We got our health, we've got each other, so we're good," said Harper.

This event wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the nearly 1,000 volunteers who have spent their days cooking and hours serving the Christmas meal.

The meal included all the Christmas feast fixings including turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and more.

Yolanda Thomas and her family have made volunteering a tradition.

"This is part of our celebration," said Thomas.

Her husband joins in as they teach their sons the true meaning of Christmas.

"Christmas is not only a time for getting, it's a time for giving," said Thomas.

And on this Christmas Day, 8,000 meals were given to those who now feel the love and joy of the holiday.

"It makes me feel amazing," said Thomas.

The Christmas Family Feast is in its 26th year and is made possible by donations to the Salvation Army and the many organizations and companies that donated food to the cause.

The Red Kettle Campaign continues through January 31st -- if you'd like to donate, CLICK HERE.