Salvation Army hosts annual holiday dinner

Doing what it does so well at this special time of year, the Salvation Army hosted a Christmas dinner on Tuesday, making the day merry for 110 local residents.

Ever since 1854 when William Booth and his wife Catherine founded what is today the Salvation Army, the organization has helped hundreds of thousands of people in 113 countries with charity and social services.

Without making it feel like charity, a fine Christmas dinner was served to the day’s guests at the Masonic Temple in Sahuarita. Using the facilities, administrator Ron Weppler said, “It’s a community collaboration using the Masonic Hall.”

A team of 25 volunteers turned the hall into a colorful Christmas dining room with tables covered in red, green and gold that volunteer Cene Backus described as “very elegant.” The volunteers then served each guest restaurant style.

Adding to an already festive atmosphere, Tom French and his four-piece musical ensemble “4 Him” played a variety of Christmas oldies.

The full dinner included roasted ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, string beans, applesauce and a roll and butter. Weppler said that starting at 8 a.m., a team of cooks roasted 14 ten-pound hams to ensure generous servings to the crowd, which included mostly seniors and two families with children.

A full table of desserts donated by members of the Green Valley Community Church included pies, brownies, cookies and a tempting assortment of baked treats finished off a fine holiday dinner.

Volunteers also prepared and delivered 14 Christmas dinners to homebound residents.

In addition to giving many seniors a place to enjoy Christmas dinner with others who don’t have family close by, the volunteers also put together gift bags.

As guests left, each was given a bag of holiday treats, leaving them with warm memories of Christmas 2007.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.