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PHOENIX – Nearly 1,000 people took part in the annual Thanksgiving Gala held Thursday by the Salvation Army in the Phoenix Underground.
It takes three days to prepare the big meal. Major Nancy Dihle of the Salvation Army stated that this would not be possible without the help of about 800 volunteers who came forward.
From the preparation of meals to the setting up of the table, through the service, the accompaniment of the guests to their table, the volunteers took on a wide range of tasks.
Carla Donaldson, owner of Izzy Lounge, offered haircuts and manicures to hundreds of guests who showed up for the Thanksgiving feast.
"I wanted Thanksgiving to mean more than anything I do all the time," Donaldson said.
The congress center lobby had a large screen for guests to sit and play football. There was a designated area for prayers and counseling, and volunteers distributed clothes and toiletries to those in need.
Kate Gallego, Phoenix mayoral candidate, said she was impressed by the little touches that added flavor to the celebration.
"Football is like home, you can get a manicure, do your hair, there is no waiting line, and they use real porcelain," Gallego said.
Major Nancy Dihle said the small details made a big difference for the participants.
"We want people to feel well loved and well cared for.When you go to a family member, you receive all these attentions.We want them to go back home today with the feeling that They have these special touches and that their whole person is taken care of, "said Dihle.
All traditional Thanksgiving Day dishes, as well as pumpkin pie, cookies and coffee were served.
Joseph Degraft-Johnson was one of the hundreds of volunteers who helped serve guests at dinner. He brought all his family with him, including his five and ten year old daughters.
Degraft-Johnson said that he had woken up in the morning and had decided to go help out at dinner on a whim. He hoped to be an example for his daughters.
"What I hope is that they learn to serve people, no matter where they come from, in what context you are in. Everybody sometimes needs to know where they are from. help, "said Degraft-Johnson.
Among the guests were homeless people, people living in shelters and many others who were alone for Thanksgiving, as well as people who could not afford to buy a full meal. Thanksgiving.
"I just had a father who had two sons and said that I had nowhere to go.I just want you to know how important it was for me to be here." with my sons, that's why we do what we do, "added Major Dihle.
Phoenix mayoral candidate Daniel Valenzuela also attended the event.
"I know what it's like to receive, I have to tell you that it's the generosity of my community, my hometown, which has led me to a life of service," he said. Valenzuela.
Salvation Army staff reported serving over 1,350 pounds of turkey, 75 liters of sauce, 1,000 pounds of potatoes and 3,700 slices of pie.
The bell campaign of the Salvation Army bell is also underway.
Funds raised during the campaign provide funding for many local activities and programs in the region. If you would like to donate, you can deposit your money in a red kettle located outside many of the retail stores in the valley.
You can also make a donation online by mail: 2707 Van Buren Street East, Phoenix, AZ 85008 or by phone at 1 800 SAL-ARMY.
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