Salvation Army hosts annual Thanksgiving meal

(ABC 6 News) – The Salvation Army in Rochester hosted its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday.

The event is back in full swing this year after the pandemic last year where it was more of a take-out style meal.

"Holidays for many of us are wonderful and joyous and full of fun. For others, they’re sad and they’re lonely. So first and foremost, we want to meet that need of nobody who doesn’t want to should have to be alone on Thanksgiving," Major Lisa Mueller, Officer for Program & Services of The Salvation Army in Rochester, said.

The Salvation Army volunteers cooked for about 175 people with 8 giant turkeys. About 20 volunteers come in shifts throughout the day to serve the meals to anyone who stopped by.

"Especially in this economy right now, Thanksgiving is expensive and it’s a luxury. And for people that just don’t have the means either to have the meal or perhaps the kitchen to cook the meal in, we’re meeting that need as well. A safe place to go and to enjoy one another while we enjoy the meal," Mueller said.

Hy-Vee and Sam’s Club donated pies. Pasquale’s Pizzeria donated more pies and some ready-to-eat meals as well. Scheel’s sponsored the remainder of the meal, making the entire dinner completely paid for by the community.