Done without any assistance from Nanny government.
The emotions of those shuffling through the crowded Salvation Army Center of Hope cafeteria on Christmas Eve hit almost every note, and each expressed their feelings in different ways.
Some swapped jokes with the cooks and embraced one another as they waited for a seat, some glazed ham and a slice of pumpkin pie. Others quietly took their seats, eating without interacting. A few sitting in the room’s corners cried softly.
Salvation Army Director of Development John Sebby was proud to be able to continue a charitable tradition that began in 1891.
The Salvation Army Center of Hope’s Christmas Eve Dinner provided a free meal to all. Sebby expected to serve 300 people Wednesday.
“Some of the people we serve are homeless and just need a warm meal. Others are families who struggle with paying all of their bills, so they visit us to cut back on their grocery expenses,” Sebby said. “It’s a very important service to those who live in this area, and I am very happy to be able to provide it.”
Salvation Army staff and volunteers from Augusta and nearby counties came to prepare the meal, which is funded by donations collected every year by the Salvation Army’s bell ringing collectors. Almost $600 worth of food was cooked this year’s holiday dinner; some of it by a Burke County catering company.
“I saw a request for help over the Facebook page, and I was moved to get involved,” caterer James Jones said. “I wanted to help out here because I know my family has been very blessed over the years, and I wanted to give some of it back.”
He didn’t want to give the name of his company, saying it might appear that he was seeking publicity when he just wanted to help.
“Seeing some of these people here … it just breaks your heart. I’m very glad I’m here,” Jones said. “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to serve those who get overlooked constantly.”