TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A village of volunteers and holiday-hungry Tucsonans gathered at the St. Demetrius Greek Church on Thursday for the 38th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by The Salvation Army of Southern Arizona.
Hundreds of local volunteers prepared the Traditional Thanksgiving meal for those alone, without a home, hungry, or those simply looking to eat in the company of their neighbors.
Martha Desilets, The Salvation Army of Southern Arizona Volunteer Floor Service Captain, says the best part of the event is seeing people come together, relax, and have a good meal in a place they feel safe.
“Just seeing people together and being able to relax and have some safe time together and get a good meal- that’s the best part,” said Martha Desiletz, The Salvation Army of Southern Arizona Volunteer Floor Service Captain.
The event provides the option to drive through or has a sit-down style meal featuring live music.
Some volunteers were even handing out dog food, flower bouquets, and goodie bags for the road.
“We served a lot of people, and like I said, every year it’s just such a blessing to be a part of it,” said Keith Decker.
Keith Decker has spent 15 Thanksgiving Dinners as Program Leader with The Salvation Army of Southern Arizona.
He says his favorite part is knowing they provide a place to celebrate the holiday for those who typically don’t have one.
“Thanksgiving is just a time for being thankful and something to be thankful for is being able to help other people who are in need,” said Decker.
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Breanna Isbell is a reporter for KGUN 9. She joined the KGUN 9 team in July of 2022 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in sports journalism from Arizona State University in May. Share your story ideas with Breanna by emailing breanna.isbell@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, or Twitter.
